DailyMirror
A suspect who was brought to court allegedly having misappropriated Rs 15,752, 042. 29 from a private technology company complained to the Colombo Additional Magistrate G. Praharsha S. Ranasinghe that Southern Province Provincial Councilor Sajin Vaas Gunawardena and two of his body guards had assaulted him in the office premises.
The suspect Don Indika Sujeewa Pathirana of 1st Lane, Rupasinghe Mawatha, Nugegoda who was produced before the Magistrate by the CID, who was the Construction Manager for Cosmo Trading Company (Private ) Limited at Grenier Road, Borella, was accused of having defrauded the company of Rs 15,752, 042. 29. The money was given to the suspect to settle several sub contractors who worked under the suspect in erecting transmission towers for the company, Airtel Telecommunication (Pvt) Ltd.
The Police submitted that the company had entered into an agreement with Airtel to build towers for Airtel in various locations around the country. The suspect had employed sub contractors to commence work and the inspection, estimates and payments were done by the suspect during the period August 2008 to October 31, 2009.
The sub contractors had erected 97 transmission towers for Airtel in the selected locations and Cosmo Technology Company (Private) Limited had issued cheques for Rs 171, 288, 971.43 in the name of the suspect to make payments to the contractors.
Afterward the company had realized that the suspect had only paid 155, 536, 929 .14 to the sub contractors thereby it was alleged that the suspect had defrauded and misappropriated Rs 15,752, 042. 29 given to him by the company.
Counsel Mervin Silva appearing on behalf of the suspect submitted that the suspect was brutally assaulted by Southern Province Provincial Councilor Sajin Vaas Gunawardena and two of his body guards identified as Sugath and Alwis within the Cosmo Technology Office premises. Counsel also complained that the suspect’s signature was forcibly obtained to transfer seven vehicles belonging to the suspect and on some blank papers.
The Magistrate observed bruises and assault marks on the body of the suspect and ordered Prison Authorities to provide treatment to the suspect. The suspect was remanded till November 23.