Seventeen suspects further remanded over Rathgama killings

Seventeen suspects alleged to have been involved in the killing of two businessmen in Rathgama have been further remanded until July 8 by the Galle Magistrate's Court.

These suspects which include 15 police officers, a forest ranger and a Wildlife officer are accused of abducting and killing businessmen Asela Manjula Kumara and Rasith Chinthaka on January 23.

During today's hearing, the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) submitted the Government Analyst's report on two mobile phones of the victims which had been recovered from a reservoir in Dickwella.

The CID also said that they were carrying out further investigations into the incident after obtaining statements from several individuals.

These included the Managers of the Colombo Fort and Galle branches of a private bank, a Walasmulla forest ranger, Senior DIG Ravi Wijegunawardena, and Galle Police OIC Anurudda Bandara.

The attorney represending the accused had told the Magistrate's court that bail applications have been filed at the High Court on behalf of the suspects.

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