Requests to transfer the Makandure Madush murder investigation from Maligawatta to the CID

Lawyers representing Samarasinghe Arachchilage Madush Lakshitha alias Makandure Madush, today (12) informed the Colombo Chief Magistrate's Court that the investigations related to his death by shooting while in police custody should be handed over to the Criminal Investigation Department. The lawyers appearing on behalf of Madush's wife made this request before Colombo Additional Magistrate Nuwan Kaushalya, stating that they are not satisfied with the investigation process carried out by the Maligawatta Police so far.

Lawyers for the aggrieved party revealed to the court that during the previous government's tenure, Madush's wife was extremely afraid to come before the court or take legal action regarding this incident, and the reason for this was the involvement of then-police officers and politicians in the incident. The panel of lawyers, including Attorney Senaka Perera, pointed out that this death, which occurred while in police custody, is highly suspicious, and therefore, the investigations should be removed from the Maligawatta Police.

However, the Magistrate rejected the request, stating that there is no legal possibility to remove an ongoing investigation from the relevant institution and transfer it to another institution, according to the provisions of the Judicial Service Commission Act. The Magistrate further recalled that he had previously advised that if it is felt that the current investigations are not being conducted properly, a complaint could be lodged with the Criminal Investigation Department.