Recovery of hand grenade at All Saints’ Church in Borella: Caretaker of church released from case
9 February 2022 02:47 pm
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The Sacristan (caretaker) of All Saints' Church in Borella arrested for allegedly planting a hand grenade inside the church was today ordered to be released from the case by Colombo Chief Magistrate's Court.
Colombo Additional Magistrate Rajindra Jayasuriya made this order following the Attorney General's advise not to proceed legal action against the suspect.
Francis Munindran alias Rajan, the seventh suspect of the case was arrested and detained at Colombo Crimes Division under Prevention of Terrorism Act.
Senior Deputy Solicitor General Dileepa Pieris appearing for Attorney General sought the court's permission to release the seventh suspect owing to insufficient evidence to prove the commission of the criminal offences.
Meanwhile, Senior Counsel Chaminda Athukorala appearing for the retired medical practitioner Dr. Shirley Herath (75) sought an order directing the prosecution to submit a report about the ongoing investigations in respect of his client.
In reply, SDSG Dileepa Peiris stated that the investigations are yet to reveal who was involved in planting the hand grenade along with the retired medical practitioner.
The Additional Magistrate observed that there is no necessity of fixing the case for an early date since police have filed reports about the investigation.
On February 2, the Court ordered to release of a church worker and two others who were arrested on suspicion over the hand grenade incident.
President's Counsel Nevil Abeyratne appeared for the aggrieved party and Colombo Archbishop Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith. Rienzie Arsekularatne PC with counsel Thejitha Koralage and Udara Muhandiramge appeared for the suspects who were released on a previous occasion. (Lakmal Sooriyagoda)