Suspects released

Case of trespassing into state land

Kapila SOMARATNE- Panadura group corr.

Panadura Pradeshiya Sabha member Sumith Athukorale along with sixteen suspects who were charged with trespassing into a state land at Malamulla, Panadura and causing mischief were discharged by Panadura Magistrate Thushara Rajasinghe on February 16 when Panadura Police told Court that they would not proceed with the case.

Attorney Vajira Kavisinghe appearing for the suspects told open Court that the 10 acre plot at Malamulla was cultivated by Samurdhi recipients under a program organised by Minister Rohitha Abeygunawardena under the Governments' Api Wawamu Rata Nagamu concept.

But the Panadura Divisional Secretary had transferred the land to the Solid Waste Management Authority to dump garbage.

The Magistrate held an inquiry before the open Court and discharged the 16 suspects as the Panadura Headquarters Chief Inspector Kumaradasa Hettiarachchi informed Court that the Police was not going to file action against the 16 suspects.

The Magistrate said police could file action against the executive of the Solid Waste Management Authority who allegedly made a false complaint to the Panadura Police on November 19, 2008 which put the accused in trouble.

It was revealed at the inquiry held by the Magistrate that the alleged officer had made a false complaint to police on November 19, 2008, the Magistrate said.