“Are You Trying to Mislead This Committee?” : Harak Kata Saga Unfolds

COLOMBO (News 1st); A parliamentary committee investigating the removal of Inspector General of Police (IGP) Deshabandu Tennakoon convened for its 12th session this week, delving into serious allegations surrounding the repatriation of underworld figure Harak Kata and the conduct of law enforcement officials involved in the operation.

Former Deputy Inspector General of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Prasad Ranasinghe, testified that he had coordinated with Interpol and government officials, including then-Minister Tiran Alles, to facilitate Harak Kata’s return to Sri Lanka on March 14, 2023. 

Ranasinghe stated, “I spoke to the Interpol Director and requested the Minister to intervene. A team was dispatched from Sri Lanka and successfully brought Harak Kata back.”

However, Ranasinghe acknowledged that the operation faced significant challenges. “While in India, Harak Kata injured himself. In Kenya, he attempted to escape. After arriving in Sri Lanka, he was held for over a year, during which he threatened officers and made multiple escape attempts, including assaulting personnel,” he said. Legal proceedings have reportedly been initiated regarding these incidents.

Additional Solicitor General Dileepa Peiris raised concerns about allegations that CID officers had assisted Harak Kata and accepted bribes during the repatriation process.

Ranasinghe confirmed that an investigation was launched but said, “Although there were accusations of corruption, the claims could not be substantiated.”

Committee Chair Justice P. Padman Surasena pressed further, asking whether corrupt officers were involved. Ranasinghe responded, “There were allegations, and I conducted a confidential inquiry, but no conclusive evidence was found.”

The committee also heard from retired Assistant Superintendent of Police Neville de Silva, who served as Acting Director of the Colombo Crimes Division (CCD). 

De Silva testified that Harak Kata had attempted to bribe officers with sweets and escape custody. “Some officers assisted him, and a police constable was directly involved. He was later arrested after fleeing to India,” de Silva said, adding that six individuals were arrested following IGP orders.

De Silva’s testimony came under scrutiny when he claimed that a shooting incident involving CCD officers was initially dismissed as false but later confirmed. He admitted to being informed by IP Nishantha that a suspect had fired at officers and fled. However, Justice Surasena questioned the credibility of his statements, especially regarding the source of the gunfire and the involvement of a government analyst.

“You must only speak to what you know. We are not here to entertain false testimony,” Justice Surasena said sternly, prompting De Silva to retract parts of his statement and apologize.

Further questioning revealed that De Silva had authorized rewards and promotions without a formal investigation into the shooting. When asked whether such actions were appropriate, he conceded, “No, Reverend. That was a mistake.”

Committee members also questioned the decision to transport injured officers to a distant hospital rather than a nearby facility, and whether government funds were misused in the absence of proper inquiry. De Silva admitted that more investigation was needed and acknowledged procedural lapses.

The committee continues to investigate the broader implications of these events, including potential misconduct, misuse of public funds, and failures in police accountability.

Assistant Superintendent of Police Neville de Silva, who served as Acting Director of the Colombo Crimes Division (CCD), stated that officers had been strategically deployed and that he had received a list of 149 suspects linked to Nandun Chinthaka, with orders to apprehend them.

De Silva recounted that Anselm de Silva, one of the officers, volunteered to join the operation. “I told him to go ahead. I don’t know whether he went in uniform or civilian clothes,” Neville said.

The committee then turned its attention to a shooting incident that occurred during the operation. 

De Silva testified that he was informed by IP Nishantha that a suspect had fired at officers and fled. 

Initially skeptical, De Silva later accepted the report and instructed officers to transport the injured to the hospital. However, he admitted to being uncertain about the next steps, as calls to senior officials, including the DIG and IGP Deshabandu, went unanswered.

Justice P. Padman Surasena, chairing the committee, questioned De Silva’s decision-making and the credibility of his account. “Did you believe they were going to the hospital?” she asked. De Silva confirmed he did, but later discovered through a postmortem report and mobile footage that the shooting had occurred.

When asked how he learned the weapon used was a police rifle, De Silva cited a government analyst’s report. Justice Surasena challenged this, asking, “Who is the ballistics expert?” to which De Silva replied, “The government analyst.”

Justice Surasena expressed frustration over the inconsistencies in De Silva’s testimony. “We’ve heard enough cases. Only speak to what you know. We are not here to entertain false testimony,” she said. De Silva apologized and retracted parts of his statement, but denied intentionally providing false evidence.

The committee pressed further, questioning the appropriateness of transporting injured officers to a distant hospital instead of a nearby facility. De Silva remained silent when asked whether this decision was suitable.

Justice Surasena also criticized the decision to issue rewards and promotions without a formal investigation. “How can someone receive promotions and rewards without any inquiry? What will the public think of the government?” she asked. De Silva admitted, “That was a mistake.”

Additional Solicitor General Dileepa Peiris noted that officers claimed the shooting at W15 Hotel was carried out under De Silva’s orders. De Silva denied this, stating, “I only instructed a team to go. I didn’t order a shooting. I’m not familiar with the W15 Hotel.”

The committee concluded that government funds had been disbursed without proper investigation, and De Silva acknowledged that further inquiry was necessary. “I accept that a mistake occurred. I wasn’t aware of the details regarding the promotions,” he said.