Nattandiya PS member remanded over recent violence until Aug 7

Nattandiya Pradeshiya Sabha member Upul Shantha who has been accused of involvement in last month’s unrest in the country and has been remanded until August 7.

Koswatte Police had filed a complaint at the Marawila District Magistrate’s court alleging that Shantha had been involved in 27 incidents of violence in Marawila, which had taken place in an apparent retaliation to the Easter Sunday bombings.

However, the accused had filed a motion through his lawyers, claiming that he had neither been linked to the unrest nor remained in the vicinity of the places in which such incidents had taken place.

Judge Sirimevan Mehendraraja who is hearing the case, yesterday told open court that charges have been filed against the accused over charges of murder, arson, and vandalising property.

Police told court that they had evidence to prove that the pradeshiya sabha member had led the incidents of violence on May 13. Accordingly, the judge instructed the police to submit a report to court over the incident.

It was also revealed that the suspect had taken wing to Japan following the incident. However, the lawyers for the accused said that he had travelled overseas to visit his wife and children while also receiving medical treatment at the same time.