Police Spokesperson DIG Ajith Rohana says a problematic situation has come up with regard to the investigation into the spread of Covid-19 cases from Brandix apparel factory in Minuwangoda, as many officers of the Colombo Crimes Division (CCD) have contracted the novel coronavirus.

As soon as the directives from the Attorney General’s were received, the investigation was referred to the CCD, he said speaking to ‘Derana Aruna’ programme earlier today. “However, nearly 40 Colombo Crimes Division officers have tested positive for the virus so far.”

The police spokesperson further explained that more delays were caused as the investigators had to interrogate the employees of the apparel factory in Minuwangoda.

The CCD chief has informed of the situation, but the Acting Inspector General of Police has given instructions to proceed with the probe, he added.

Attorney General Dappula de Livera yesterday (05) directed the Acting IGP to brief him immediately on the investigating team appointed to look into the Brandix Covid-19 cluster.

He also called for a list of names of the investigators appointed to carry out the probe.

In a statement, the Attorney General’s coordinating officer said the Attorney General, on October 27, instructed the Acting IGP in writing to appoint a team of investigators comprising experienced, senior police officers to probe the risks posed by the Brandix coronavirus cluster. State Counsel Nishara Jayaratne further noted that the Acting IGP is yet to appoint an investigating team to look into the matter.