Akuressa blast:

CID takes over inquiry

RAFIK Jalaldeen

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) inquiry into the Godapitiya suicide blast is in progress.

The male suicide bomber is believed to have been residing in the Godapitiya area before carrying out the suicide mission, Police spokesman SSP Ranjith Gunaskera said. “ It is an estate area and we suspect that the LTTE cadre might have been residing in the Godapitiya area while carefully planning out the suicide mission”, SSP Gunaskera added.

Fifteen people were killed and another 46 sustained injuries during the attack, which targeted the National Milad-Un-Nabi festivities, held at the Godapitiya Mosque in Akuressa on Tuesday. According to Police, the suicide kit worn by the LTTE cadre weighing 05 Kg had contained 2.5kg of C4 explosives and another 2.5 Kg of steel balls.

SSP Gunesekera said that the CID had taken over the investigation, with two other Police teams assisting them. “Police are continuing investigations at the site. We also have information that the suicide cadre had come on a motorcycle, and presently the police are trying to trace this bike”, SSP Gunasekera added..

A spokesman for the Government Analyst, said that an old type suicide kit had been used in the blast. “A fuse too was found in the scene”, he added.

Meanwhile, the Government yesterday took immediate steps to provide compensation to the bereaved families. The next of kin of the dead were provided Rs.50,000 each and the injured were given Rs.10,000 each as an initial sum. The Southern Provincial Council too is set to provide a separate compensation package for those who were injured in the incident and the next of kin of the dead.

According to the District Secretary of the area, further compensation to help the affected in their need would follow, after initial investigations conclude.