Despite directives issued by the Attorney General (AG) and Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP) to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) calling for the completion of probes on several high profile cases, the CID is faced with difficulties in concluding them.
Officers investigating several high profile cases are facing difficulties due to the lack of co-operation from officials of the Sri Lanka Army, it is learnt.
Investigating officers note that most of the high-profile probes have come to a standstill and cannot be taken forward without the support of the Army.
A senior officer attached to the Police Department has said the CID had no powers to visit Army camps and carry out necessary probes within such premises and has therefore requested relevant authorities to provide certain documents required to proceed with the ongoing probes.
Some of the key investigations that are being blocked due to the Army’s lack of co-operation are the probes on the murder of former Editor-in-Chief of The Sunday Leader Lasantha Wickrematunge, the disappearance of journalist Prageeth Ekneligoda, and the assault on journalist Keith Noyahr.
However, Attorney General Dappula de Livera has directed the Acting IGP to conclude five high profile cases and submit the files to the Attorney General Department. The five cases include the murders of Wickrematunge, Sri Lanka rugby player Wasim Thajudeen, and the 17 aid workers as well as the abduction of journalist Noyahr and the case involving 11 missing youths.
Meanwhile, Acting IGP Chandana Wickremeratne yesterday called on the CID to conclude these cases and submit the files to the Attorney General’s Department.
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