False social media reports on Dinesh Schaffter killing hamper investigations: CID

By Hemantha Randunu and Norman Palihawadana

There was no evidence to prove that businessman Dinesh Schaffter killed himself, a CID officer said, adding rumours disseminated via social media about on various breakthroughs were fictitious.

“These reports are causing a serious problem for investigations. There are a lot of misconceptions in society about the case as well. There is no evidence that Schaffter killed himself,” he said.

A senior police officer also dismissed reports that Schaffter had written an ’emotional’ letter to his mother-in-law as being false. “Reports claiming that police had found, at the victim’s house, a wire similar to the one he was strangled with, are also fake, he said.

“We have questioned about 90 people so far. We are also investigating if these false reports are spread by an organised group to hinder investigations. On Wednesday, those investigating the Schaffter case held a two-hour discussion with the IGP. What could be done to overcome the current stalemate in the investigation was discussed,” he said.

The IGP instructed them to pay closer attention to the CCTV footage. The CID officer said investigations were being carried out, based on security camera footage, and phone analysis as well as eyewitness evidence.

Schaffter, 51, was found strapped to the driving seat and strangled in his car on 15 December late afternoon. The car has been subjected to forensic tests along with data from mobile phone base stations in the area to establish those who were in the vicinity at the time.

“We are trying to establish a credible motive. Both his business and social contacts are being looked into. Investigators are keeping an open mind,” the officer told The Island.