AG’s Department to challenge bail granted to Deshabandu

Friday, 11 April 2025 02:31 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Senior Deputy Solicitor General Dileepa Peiris

Senior Deputy Solicitor General Dileepa Peiris informed the Matara Magistrate’s Court yesterday that the Attorney General’s Department will file a revision application before the High Court to challenge the bail granted to suspended Inspector General of Police (IGP) Deshabandu Thennakoon.

Thennakoon, who was granted bail on two personal sureties of Rs. 1 million each by Matara Magistrate Aruna Indrajith Buddhadasa, was also ordered to surrender his passport and was placed under a travel ban.

The Court issued strict conditions warning that any attempt to interfere with witnesses would result in immediate revocation of bail.

Senior Deputy Solicitor General Peiris, appearing for the prosecution, strongly objected to the bail decision, citing the ongoing nature of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) probe and the sensitive stage it had reached.

He argued that releasing Thennakoon at this juncture could compromise the integrity of the investigation.

“This case is reaching a decisive phase. Releasing the prime suspect now poses a serious risk to the ongoing investigative process,” Peiris told the Court, requesting a complete copy of the bail order to initiate immediate legal action in the High Court.

Adding to the gravity of the situation, the Senior Deputy Solicitor General disclosed that CID officers had recorded a statement from Southern Province Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Nishantha Soysa on 4 April regarding the incident.

According to Peiris, DIG Soysa has requested special security from the CID due to perceived threats to his life.

“In all my years of legal practice, this is the first time I have witnessed a senior Police officer seeking protection from within the CID itself. This reflects the seriousness and sensitivity of this case,” he pointed out.