The Court of Appeal has ordered that a writ petition filed by businessman Shehan Gunasekara, son of Osman Gunasekara, also know as Gampaha Osman, seeking an order to prevent the Colombo Crimes Division (CCD) from arresting him in connection with the murder of ‘Ganemulla Sanjeewa’, be taken up for hearing.

Accordingly, a bench comprising Court of Appeal Justices Shashi Mahendran and Adithya Patabendige ordered that notices be issued to the respondents named in the petition, including the Director of the CCD, directing them to appear before the court and present submissions on September 3.

Shehan Gunasekara, a resident of Yakkala, Gampaha, filed the petition naming several individuals, including CCD Director Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Indika Lokuhetti, as respondents, said Ada Derana reporter.

In the petition filed through Attorney-at-Law Amila Kumara, the petitioner stated that he is a businessman by profession and that his father, Gampaha Osman alias Osman Gunasekara, had been arrested and detained under detention orders in connection with investigations into the murder of ‘Ganemulla Sanjeewa’.

The petitioner further stated that on May 13, his residence was searched and two firearms were found, for which valid licences had been produced. However, he alleged that certain media reports falsely claimed that the firearms were being held illegally.

He also stated that he had been instructed to appear before the CCD to provide a statement and had appeared before the division on several occasions, where he provided statements.

The petitioner further alleged that during these inquiries, he was questioned about whether he had maintained links with ‘Kehelbaddara Padme’ while the latter was in Thailand, and claimed that the questioning was conducted in a threatening manner.

Under these circumstances, the petitioner stated that there was a possibility of his arrest at any time and requested the court to issue an order preventing such an arrest.

President’s Counsel Sanjeeva Jayawardena, together with Attorney-at-Law Rukshan Senadheera, appeared for the petitioner on the instructions of Attorney-at-Law Amila Kumara. State Counsel Akila Dalpadadu appeared on behalf of the Attorney General.