Maheswaran's assassination:

Application to detain suspects allowed

Sarath Malalasekera

Colombo Additional Magistrate Ravindra Premaratne allowed an application by the investigators who are probing the assassination of UNP MP T. Maheswaran to detain the suspects to conduct further investigations and submit a report to Court on the next date, March 7.

Colombo Crime Division Director (CCD) Senior SP Anura Senanayake who is directing the investigations into the killing yesterday told Court that they are making arrangements to record a statement from Minister Keheliya Rambukwella in connection with a statement made by him.

The CCD Director said the family members of the late T. Maheswaran should assist the investigators.

Counsel watching the interest of the late Maheswearan's family S.M. A. Misbha who appeared with Sujeewa Senasinghe submitted to Court that they have provided the CDs in connection with an interview that late Maheswaran appeared, but the investigators had not taken any steps about these CDs.

The CCD Director denied the statement made by the defence counsel and said that they are conducting investigations into the CDs forwarded them.

According to the reports before Court the blood stains found at the scene of the incident and on the weapon found near the scene are tallying.

The JMO's report stated that the deaths of MP Maheswaran and his bodyguard S. Mahinda were due to shooting.

The Colombo Crime Division Director said the investigations into the Maheswaran's assassination is not completed. They have recorded a statement from the widow of Maheswaran and several other family members.

Earlier, the Magistrate allowed the police to peruse the bank account of the first suspect, Jonathan Wasanthan, now detained under the order of the Defence Secretary. Earlier Kalinga Indatissa, Senior Counsel for the Sakthi TV submitted to Court that the CDs where late MP Maheswaran's "Minnal Program" had been handed over to the investigators and to the Court.

President's Counsel M.L.M. Ameen with Niroshan Perera, A.S.M. Misbha, K.S. Ratnavel, Shanaka Ranasinghe, Gunaratne Wanninayake, Nishada Gamage and Sujeewa Senasinghe watched the interest of the members of the late Maheswaran.