The Batticaloa Court today (24) ordered that former State Minister Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan, widely known as “Pillayan,” who was arrested under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), be further remanded until August 4.
He was produced before the Batticaloa Court today via video conference, and summonses were issued for the continuation of proceedings against him, said Ada Derana reporter.
The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has filed a case before the Matale Magistrate’s Court against former State Minister Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan and several other suspects in connection with five murders allegedly committed in several areas of the Batticaloa District in 2008.
Chandrakanthan, who is listed as the third accused in the case, was produced before the court today, and a summons was issued directing him to appear at the next hearing.
The proceedings were held in relation to three charges connected to five homicides reported in Kallady and another charge related to the case. The hearing was conducted before Batticaloa Magistrate Annathurai Darshini.
Witnesses appeared before the court during today’s proceedings, while two attorneys-at-law represented Chandrakanthan.
After considering the case, the court ordered that Chandrakanthan be further remanded until August 4.
Meanwhile, the Kallady land dispute case was postponed until October 29. An arrest warrant has also been issued against the first accused, who is currently overseas.
The CID initiated investigations into the case based on information received regarding murders allegedly committed using T-56 assault rifles in 2008.
The CID has named Chandrakanthan as a suspect in connection with several incidents, including the shooting deaths of two individuals, including a former police officer, near the Kallady Murugan Temple in Batticaloa in 2008; the shooting deaths of two persons on the main road in Kattankudy on May 22, 2008; and the shooting death of another individual by an armed group in Kothiyapulai, Vavunathivu, on the night of August 20, 2008.
