Dr Shafi files FR petition at Supreme Court against detention

Kurunegala Teaching Hospital doctor Mohamed Shafi who was accused of sterilising women has filed a fundamental rights petition against his detention at the Criminal Investigations Department (CID).

Attorney Rushdie Habeeb had filed the petition on behalf of the doctor who is being detained and questioned by the CID.

The petitioner claims that his arrest had taken place as a result of "jealousy" over a purchase of three land slots worth Rs 130 million in Kurunegala. These lands had been jointly purchased by three persons including Dr Shafi, the petition states.

According to the petition, Dr Shafi's financial contribution towards purchasing the land comprised money earned through the savings from his salary, his earnings from private medical practice and other declared income sources.

The petitioner has also categorically denied allegations raised against him over allegations of sterilising women since it has not been supported by clinical evidence.

Accordingly, Dr. Shafi has sought a court order declaring that his fundamental rights have been violated under five counts, the 21-page petition reads.

The petitioner had also sought an interim order on his detention at the CID while also seeking a court ruling to quash the detention order issued on him under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA).

Defence Secretary Yasantha Kodagoda, Attorney General Dappula de Livera, Acting IGP C. Wickremaratne, Kurunegala OIC (Crimes)  Pushpalal, the Kurunegala OIC, Kurunegala DIG Kithsiri Jayalath, and CID Director Shani Abeyasekara have been named as respondents to the petition.