DIG Vass Gunawardena who is on remand in connection with the abduction and killing of businessman Shyam Huzamdeen had been interdicted, said spokesman Buddhika Siriwardena.

According to the spokesman, the Public Services Commission had informed the department that the DIG had been interdicted from police service with immediate effect.

Colombo DIG S.K.D.S Gunawardena was appointed as acting Colombo North DIG in place of Vass Gunawardena who was arrested by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) on June 10.

Huzamdeen was abducted on May 22; his naked body was found in a forested area in Dompe on May 31. Seven persons, including five policemen, are in custody in connection with the incident.

DIG Gunawardena was remanded until June 25. The senior police officer who was receiving treatment at the Colombo National Hospital for diabetes and hypertension was transferred to the Prisons Hospital and placed under tight security.

Vass Gunawardena was earlier director, CCD; SSP Galle and SSP Ratnapura before being appointed DIG (Colombo North).(Supun Dias)