Court briefed on alleged attack plot to help “Harak Kata” escape

The officers of Criminal Investigation Department (CID) told the court today (Oct. 24) that they have uncovered information about an alleged plot to execute a terrorist-like attack, designed to aid the escape of notorious criminal figure and drug lord ‘Harak Kata’ who is currently in custody.

Accordingly, Colombo Fort Magistrate Thilina Gamage has ordered the initiation of an investigation into the purported plot and called for a report on the findings.

Meanwhile, two former army commandos have been arrested over their complicity in this purported attack plot.

The CID officers also produced two audio tapes indicating the two ex-commandos discussing the plan hatched to free “Harak Kata”.

It was reported that the duo had been removed from the Army commando regiment on disciplinary grounds.

They have told the investigating officers that a group of six was preparing to use some smoke to knock out the CID officers and to enter the CID premises clad in police unforms.

Further investigations revealed that the plan was hatched by “Harak Kata’s” close associate “Midigama Chooti” who currently in hiding abroad.

In September, Nadun Chinthaka alias “Harak Kata” attempted a failed escape bid at the CID premises.

The ill-famed underworld figure, who was being interrogated by eight CID officers, had reportedly laced the officers’ tea with poison, with the help of the Police Constable in question, during his questioning.

He had subsequently requested to go to the washroom and was escorted out of the interrogation room with his aide – a police constable, and another sub-inspector attached to the Police Special Task Force (STF), assigned for the suspect’s protection.

Although his handcuffs were removed at that point, the underworld kingpin had then walked out of the washroom acting as if he was still cuffed and had then attempted to snatch the STF officer’s firearm leading to a scuffle.

A group of other officers were quick to arrive at the scene, upon hearing the commotion and detained “Harak Kata” in their custody.

Amidst the altercation, the constable in question had reportedly fled the CID premises and remains in hiding to date. Now the police have offered a cash reward of Rs. 2.5 million for a tip-off about the said officer named Munipalage Ravindu Sandeepa Gunasekara.

On 18 September, the mother and brother-in-law of this constable were arrested. The police also obtained a 90-day detention to interrogate them.

Meanwhile, another Constable was arrested on September 30 on suspicion of his involvement in notorious underworld figure “Harak Kata’s” escape bid.

Nadun Chinthaka alias “Harak Kata” was arrested in Madagascar along with his infamous accomplice Salindu Malshika alias “Kudu Salindu” on March 01 this year in a joint operation by the INTERPOL and Malagasy law enforcement authorities and Customs officials.

The duo was brought back to the island after Malagasy defence officials informed the Sri Lankan Foreign Ministry on March 08 of the arrest of eight suspects including the two Sri Lankan underworld figures.

“Harak Kata” had been wanted by Sri Lanka Police for his involvement in multiple murders and robberies as well as transnational drug trafficking.