News
Firearm for Madush: Devananda held under 72-hour PTA detention
View(s):By Ranjith Padmasiri
A 72-hour detention order under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) has been obtained against former minister Douglas Devananda after he was arrested over the disappearance of a firearm issued to him by the
Sri Lanka Army for his
personal protection.
The former minister’s arrest came following information provided by an associate of deceased organised criminal ‘Makandure Madush’ regarding a firearm found by police. He had claimed it had been given to him by Mr Devananda.
The weapon had been identified as having been used in several murders, and investigations have revealed that it had been issued by the army.
Mr Devananda had been issued 13 T56 assault rifles and six revolvers by the army in 2001, and the former minister had given a written undertaking that he would ensure none of the firearms would be used to commit illegal activities.
At the time the firearm had been found, Madush had made a confession before a magistrate stating that he had obtained a weapon from Mr Devananda. Investigations are ongoing to determine on what basis the former minister had allegedly given the weapon to Madush.
The Sunday Times understands that the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) had initially requested for a 90-day detention order to be issued against Mr Devananda, but the request had been turned down by Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala. The Police Media Division said yesterday that Mr Devananda was being held under a 72-hour detention order obtained under the PTA.
The former minister had been summoned to the CID on Friday to record a statement, after which he was placed under arrest. He is due to be produced in court after the 72-hour detention order lapses.
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