Chief suspect sought by police for pasting defamatory posters against a HC Judge evading arrest

By AJA Abeynayake

Police yesterday informed the Colombo Magistrate’s Court that the main suspect involved in the pasting of defamatory posters targeting a Mannar High Court Judge was evading arrest.

This was conveyed to the court when the case of defamatory posters was taken up for hearing before Chief Magistrate Thilina Gamage yesterday.

Police said that they would launch an operation to apprehend the suspect.

Officers from the Colombo Crime Division (CCD) revealed the court that efforts being taken to locate the main suspect.

President’s Counsel Maithree Gunaratne, representing several remanded suspects in the case, addressed the court, asserting that those in custody were merely witnesses to the incident. He expressed concern that remanding witnesses in this manner could impede the police’s ability to establish a strong case. The President’s Counsel further pointed out that many police cases often faltered for similar reasons.

After reviewing these arguments, the Chief Magistrate granted bail to four of the detained suspects, while the remaining four were remanded until Nov. 4.