BUSINESSMAN MOHAMMED SIYAM'S MURDER

Vaas Gunawardene was produced in courts .....further remanded Suspicion that a son was involved

     Shani Abeysekera, ASP today reported to courts referring to those arrested in connection with the murder of a millionaire businessman resident in Bambalapitiya and was an importer of shoes. He stated that Vaas Gunawardene, senior DIG -- Colombo North was taken into custody yesterday for questioning. He also said that there was an SI, 3 police constables and another 2 involved. He further reported that 2 weapons and 2 vehicles alleged to have been used in the crime have been found by the police and handed over to the CID.

    A report showing the progress of investigations so far conducted was forwarded and the courts was informed that all 7 of them wouldbe detained under the  Prevention of Terrorism Act for 3 days until inestigations are over and also will be questioned at length.Colombo Additional Magistrate A.M.Sahabdeen requested to inform courts once again about the progress.

    M.M.Mohammed Siyam who was murdered, associated even political ministers and lived down Sagara Road, Bambalapitiya, dealing in imported shoes. He was missing on the 22nd of May while travelling together with Fowsdeen who was supposed to have been a friend Of Siyam. Though investigations were not properly conducted in the beginning, it is said that a special inquiry was launched when a relative-brother of Siyam had contacted the President over this matter.

    After the vehicle of Siyam was found abandoned close to Medical Centre along Kandewatta Road, Nugegoda, the police were able to gather further information revealed by the CCTV cameras operating at house near medical centre. According to video tapes viewed, it was possible to determine how Fowsdeen who made a complaint about the disappearance of Siyam, brought the latter that day in the vehicle and how he assaulted Siyam and handed him over to some other people. Fowsdeen was taken into custody by the police and they were able to arrest one 'Chutte' who had aided and abetted in the crime. According to information that he revealed, a team of 6 policemen serving senior DIG Vaas Gunawardene had committed the murder on a contract given to them. It was reasoned out that this contract for murder had been given by Siyam's friend Fowsdeen because the latter found it difficult to pay back the loan of 3000 lakhs. The police suspect that this team of 6 policemen serving senior DIG Vaas Gunawardena has committed the murder and had dumped the dead body into a jungle area in Dompe. The body that was so thrown was beyond recognition and was found later after having been taken to the Gampaha Hospital mortuary.

    It was reported that senior DIG Vaas Gunawardene kept on denying any involvement with this murder during the first 5 hour period of questioning. However, having received more information, the DIG was once again into custody last night (10) by the CID. Judicial permission was obtained today for detaining him and questioning him because further information of a secret nature had been forthcoming.

    Unofficial reports of a similar nature say that a suspicion has arisen that a son of senior DIG too is involved in the contract for murder of Siyam.

    Police investigations are continuing.