CCD chief summoned over writ application filed by Gampaha Osman's son

The Court of Appeal decided yesterday (13) to examine a writ application filed by the son of Gampaha Osmund Gunasekara, who claims that officers of the Colombo Crime Division might arrest him at any moment regarding the shooting of underworld criminal Ganemulle Sanjeeva in front of the Colombo Magistrate's Court.

The court ordered the Director of the Colombo Crime Division to appear in court on September 03 to present facts regarding the matter.

A judge bench comprising Court of Appeal Judges Shashi Mahendran and Aditya Patabendige considered the petition.

Gampaha Imbulgoda Shehan Gunasekara, the son of Gampaha Osmund Gunasekara, filed the application, naming a group including the Director of the Colombo Crime Division, Senior Superintendent of Police Indika Lokuhetti, as respondents.

Gunasekara states through Attorney-at-Law Amila Kumara that he is a businessman by profession and that his father was arrested and is detained under detention orders for investigations regarding the Ganemulle Sanjeewa killing.

The petitioner pointed out that his father's house was searched on May 13 and two firearms were found, for which legal licences exist, but media reports carried false publicity claiming that weapons were held illegally.

The petitioner mentioned that he was also notified to come to the Colombo Crime Division to give a statement, and he visited the division on several occasions to provide statements.

The petitioner states that he was questioned in a threatening manner during those occasions regarding whether he maintained connections with 'Kehelbaddara Padme' while he was in Thailand.

Under these circumstances, a situation arose where he could face arrest at any moment, and the petitioner accordingly requested the court to issue an order preventing his arrest.

President's Counsel Sanjeewa Jayawardena, along with Attorney-at-Law Rukshan Senadheera, appeared for the petitioner on the instructions of Attorney-at-Law Amila Kumara.

State Counsel Akila Dalpadado appeared for the Attorney General.