Opposition queries why DIG arrested under PTA and not penal code

The Opposition, while expressing doubts about on-going investigations regarding the senior DIG arrested on charges of murdering a businessman, yesterday asked why the rest of the police team had not been taken into custody.


Chief Opposition Whip John Amaratunga, speaking during the second reading debate on the Defence Services Command and Staff College (Amendment) Bill, said though it was mentioned that the son of the senior DIG in remand custody was also present at the time of the murder, he had not been taken into custody.

"What we heard was that when the team investigating the matter went to arrest the son, the wife of the senior DIG threatened those officials that she would reveal ‘all’ if they lay hands on her son. We hope the government would clarify what or who she meant by ‘all’," he added.

Amaratunga, insisting that the assistance of the Interpol may needed to maintain credibility of the on-going investigations, noted that the manner in which the DIG had been arrested also raised suspicion.

"He was arrested under the regulations of the Prevention of Terrorism Act and not under the provisions of the Penal Code. We hope the government would explain the rationale behind this move as well," he said.