IGP’s attention drawn to suspect’s confession video in Athurugiriya shooting case

• Former IGP C.D. Wickramaratne In a letter issued in 2022 had instructed all senior police officers to refrain from broadcasting  statements made by suspects to the media
• Probe to find out whether police have done wrong

By Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya 

Inspector General of Police Deshabandu Tennakoon’s attention has been drawn to a video of a confession made by a suspect in the Athurugiriya shooting in which two persons including ‘Club Wasantha’ was killed, being released to the media.  

The video shows a group of senior police officers questioning the suspect, the owner of the tattoo studio in Athurugiriya, where the shooting occurred.  

Former IGP C.D. Wickramaratne In a letter issued in 2022 had instructed all senior police officers to refrain from broadcasting  statements made by suspects to the media since doing so could adversely affect the proceedings.  
Also, it has been pointed out in the letter that even the Human Rights Commission had received complaints about such incidents.  

The relevant letter has further stated that the commission has clearly informed that the basic rights of the suspects may be violated by such incidents.  

Police Spokesman DIG Nihal Thalduwa said the IGP’s attention had been focused over the incident, and they will look into the matter to find out whether the officers had violated the instructions.