By

Lakmal Sooriyagoda

Former Sports Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage arrested over a complaint that he had allegedly purchased properties through illegally acquired money was yesterday ordered to be remanded till September 22 by Colombo Additional Magistrate Nishantha Peiris.

The former minister was arrested by the CID for alleged money laundering.

The CID alleged that Aluthgamage has purchased a house at Kynsey Road, Colombo 7 from an individual named Christopher Roshan for Rs 27 million. The CID alleged that the suspect has failed to disclose how he was able to raise the money for the purchase of the house and further alleged that he had committed an offence that comes under section 3 and 4 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.

“The money used for the purchase of the house had been withdrawn from a bank account belonging to the suspect maintained at BOC Parliament Branch,” CID ASP Mohan Siriwardena added.

ASP Siriwardena further said three cheques were deposited in this bank account on three occasions. He moved Court that the suspect be remanded since police were yet to investigate

into five other similar incidents relating to unlawful acquisition of assets.

He further informed Court that the witnesses connected to the investigation could be interfered with if the suspect was enlarged on bail.

President’s Counsel Kalinga Indatissa with Niroshan Siriwardena and Indika Giragama appearing on behalf of the suspect informed Court that the Magistrate has jurisdiction to release the suspect on bail since there is not even an iota of evidence to suggest that the suspect has interfered with a single witness in the case.

However, taking into consideration seriousness of the offence and non conclusion of investigation into the incident, the suspect was ordered to be remanded till September 22 by Additional Magistrate Nishantha Peiris.

On a previous occasion, the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court allowed the CID to peruse several bank accounts regarding the investigations conducted against former Sports Minister for allegedly unlawful acquisition of assets through fraudulent means in a short period of time.

The former Minister stands accused of financial irregularities in a complaint lodged against him by the convener of the Voice Against Corruption Wasantha Samarasinghe.

Courtesy:Daily News