CCD & Counterterrorism Unit launch joint probe on 'Harak Kata's escape attempt

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka Police said that a joint investigation is underway over the escape attempt made by underworld gangster Nadun Chinthaka, aka 'Harak Kata'.

Police Spokesperson SSP Nihal Thalduwa told News 1st that the Colombo Crimes Division and the Counterterrorism Investigation Division will conduct a joint investigation.

The police spokesperson said that 'Harak Kata' continues to remain in the custody of the Criminal Investigations Division. 

On the 12th of September, Sri Lanka Police launched a special investigation after an underworld gangster attempted to grab the service weapon issued to a Police Special Task Force Sub-Inspector.

Sri Lanka Police said that underworld gangster Nadun Chinthaka also known as 'Harak Kata' attempted to snatch the service weapon of the STF office while he was being questioned by detectives at the Criminal Investigations Department on 10th September.

Reports said that the sub-inspector managed to prevent the attempt and the escape attempt.

According to Sri Lanka Police, a police constable who was assigned to the detail of the suspect was reported missing after the incident.

The DIG in-charge of the CID is supervising a team of investigators led by the Director of the Counterterrorism Investigation Division on a special inquiry into the incident, said Sri Lanka Police.

On 11th September, a Sri Lankan court granted permission to detail and interrogate three underworld gangsters for a further 90-days.

These suspects are Nadun Chinthaka (Harak Kata), Sellaperumage Salindu Madushanka (Kudu Salindu), and T. Amila Fernando.

The Fort Magistrate's Court permitted the Criminal Investigations Department to detain and interrogate the suspects for an additional 90-days, under the provisions of the Prevention of Terrorism Act. 

The trio is facing charges of maintaining contact with international terror groups, and drug traffickers, illegal amassing of weapons, and the delivery of illegal weapons to other persons.

They are held by the CID for questioning.