The Colombo Magistrate’s Court has called for a report by the Government Analyst’s Department on the laptop computer belonging to journalist Darisha Bastian, which was seized with regard to the investigations on the alleged abduction of the Swiss Embassy employee.

Chief Magistrate Lanka Jayaratne directed the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) on the matter when the case was taken up this morning (16).

Chief Inspector Kelum Karunaratne of the CID, presenting submissions, said the laptop computer in question was seized on June 09 following a search warrant issued by the court. He added that it was in the possession of Bastian’s father-in-law in Polhengoda, Narahenpita.

Attorney-at-Law Shiras Noordeen, who appeared on behalf of Bastian, said, despite the CID claiming the laptop was seized on June 09, it was in fact taken into police custody on June 04, days before the search was issued.

He, pointing out the possibility of the laptop data being tampered with, requested the court to ensure the integrity on this matter.

Hence, the chief magistrate also called for an additional report from the Government Analyst on data tampering from June 04 – 10, if any.

In addition, chief magistrate also ordered to issue notices to Bastian’s father-in-law Upali Indragupta to make an appearance before the court at the next hearing, in order to clarify the event leading up to the seizure of the laptop.

The CID was ordered to submit a report on the progress of the investigations. Further hearing of the case was then postponed to July 21.