DNA test on body parts recovered from SAITM

Thursday, 6 October 2016 01:09 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Colombo Additional Magistrate Nishantha Peiris yesterday ordered the DNA testing of 26 body parts recovered by the CID team from the South Asian Institute of Technology and Medicine (SAITM) Malabe, to determine whether they were those of rugby player Wasim Thajudeen.

The court also directed the CID to seek advice from the Inspector General of Police (IGP) on the matter due to the high costs involved in DNA testing.

Deputy Solicitor General Dilan Ratnayake appearing on behalf of the Attorney General told Court that the prosecution was expecting to send 26 body parts recovered from SAITM to the ENETECH for a DNA report.

The CID further informed court that the investigations on the calls which originated from the Presidential Secretariat on the night of the incident are still continuing. The Colombo Additional Magistrate further remanded till 19 October, former Western Province Senior DIG Anura Senanayake and former Narahenpita Crimes OIC Sumith Champika Perera, for their alleged involvement in the covering up of evidence during the investigation of the alleged murder of Thajudeen.

Investigations on the death of Havelocks SC captain Wasim Thajudeen in a road accident in Colombo in May 2012, later revealed foul play. Investigations after the case was reopened in 2015 revealed Thajudeen may have been murdered. However earlier the police had stated that the rugby player was driving to the airport when he lost control and crashed into the wall of the Shalika Grounds at Park Road, Narahenpita. The police previously said that his vehicle had exploded within seconds of the accident.