The Court of Appeal yesterday (28) issued an interim order preventing the Director of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Senior Superintendent of Police Shani Abeysekara, from conducting investigations into the killing of underworld figure Makandure Madush and from taking steps to arrest four individuals, including former Colombo Crimes Division (CCD) Senior Superintendent of Police Janaka Nandana.

The order was issued by Court of Appeal Judge Priyantha Fernando after considering a writ petition filed by Nandana and others, who claimed that they would be subjected to prejudice if the investigations were carried out under the CID Director.

The petitioners include former CCD Senior Superintendent Janaka Nandana, retired Assistant Superintendent of Police Aslam de Silva, and Chief Inspector Jagath Nishantha, among several other former senior CCD officers.

Respondents in the case include CID Director Shani Abeysekara, the Inspector General of Police, and the Attorney General.

The petitioners state that the CID has recommenced investigations into the fatal shooting of Makandure Madush while he was in the custody of the CCD. They further claim that there is a risk of them being unlawfully arrested in connection with the incident at any given time.

They also allege that Abeysekara, who currently serves as CID Director, has previously faced accusations of fabricating evidence in connection with the murder case of businessman Shyam, and contend that investigations conducted under his authority could result in injustice to them.

The Court of Appeal is scheduled to take up the petition again on 15 May.

President’s Counsel Ali Sabry appeared on behalf of the petitioners.