Shani used IP to intimidate suspects – Col. Siriwardene

PCoI on political victimisation

by Shyam Nuwan Ganewatta

Former CID Director Shani Abeysekara has used a police inspector to intimidate suspects in custody into making statements, the Presidential Commission of Inquiry (PCoI) on political victimisation under the previous administration, was informed yesterday.

Colonel Prabodha Siriwardana presented a phone recording to support his claim. Siriwardana said that while he was in CID custody, the above mentioned Inspector had told him to make a statement as instructed by Abeysekara.

The Inspector called him again on August 19 and his name who Irosh Wilwalaarachchi, Siriwardana told PCoI. Siriwardana had recorded this conversation, which was played at PCoI. The PCoI issued notice on Wilwalaarachchi, who is currently attached to the Nuwaraeliya DIG office.