DailyMirror
Refuses arrest warrant for lack of evidence
The Anuradhapura Magistrate yesterday ordered the Police Officer who had sought court approval to arrest four individuals including a UNP parliamentarian without proper evidence, to be present in Courts.
When the Headquarters Inspector of the Anuradhapura Police sought Court’s permission to arrest Ven . Wawahengunawewe Dhammarathana Thera -Chief Incumbent of Mihintale Raja Maha Viharaya, UNP Member of Parliament of Anuradhapura District P Harrison, North Central Provincial Council’s Opposition Leader – Kasthuri Anuradhanayake – Attorney at Law, Anura Dissanayake – Provincial Council Member of JVP,and the Municipal Council Member of Anuradhapura- Indika Aruna Kumara on the allegations that destruction to government property had been caused when assaulted with pelting stones, the Magistrate and Addl. District Judge – Dharshika Wimalasiri refused the request.
The Magistrate pointed out that the Senior Police Officers to be present in Court for instructing the Police Officers who present cases, dragging them in to difficulties in courts, seeking orders to arrest individuals without substantiating.
When the Magistrate questioned the Police Officers about the availability of evidence, what transpired was that those names were of the people who had organized the protest against the government in connection with the arrest of General Sarath Fonseka.