CID sleuths record statement from Schaffter’s widow few hours after his funeral

By Hemantha Randunu

The Criminal Investigation Department sleuths recorded a statement from the wife of murdered businessman, Dinesh Schaffter at her residence, on Flower Road, Colombo, on Sunday night, a few hours after the funeral of the victim.

The CID asked Schaffter’s wife about the threats he had faced as well as problematic business dealings.

The CID has also started an investigation into calls and SMS messages he received.

The investigations conducted so far have revealed that someone used Schaffter’s phone to text cricket commentator, Brian Thomas. The text implying that Schaffter was waiting for Thomas was sent when the businessman’s car was inside the Borella Cemetery. Thomas had replied that he had no intention of meeting Schaffter.

The CID is trying to ascertain if the text was sent before Schaffter was harmed or by someone involved in his murder.

It is assumed that the text was sent to divert the attention of investigators.

Investigations conducted by the CID have revealed that the car in which Schaffter travelled had moved directly to the Borella Cemetery from his home on the day of his murder.

The CID investigators said they believed that Schaffter had left home, around 2.06 pm, and that the crime was committed within half an hour of his departure.

A senior CID official said that further investigations were being conducted to find out whether a person had got into the car, on the way, or whether he had gone to the cemetery to meet someone.

When observing the location of the car, entering the cemetery, and stopping, it appears that someone who has a good understanding of the Borella Cemetery was involved in this crime, CID sources said.

Police spokesman, Senior Superintendent of Police, Nihal Talduwa, said that even the security camera system in Brian Thomas’ house had been examined by the CID.