Police are investigating how and why the nine copper factory workers in Wellampitiya were released on bail on Monday (6).
Police Spokesman SP Ruwan Gunasekara said that the Special Investigation Division of police is probing whether the release of the suspects was due to an error or negligence of duty.
The owner of the copper factory was one of the suicide bombers that killed more than 250 people on Easter Sunday.
The bomber Mohamed Ibrahim Insaf Ahmed blew himself up at the Cinnamon Grand.
The nine workers of the factory were taken into custody on 22 April by the Wellampitiya police.
They were remanded until 6 May by a Colombo Magistrate’s Court.
He added that severe action would be taken against the responsible police officers if investigations reveal the accusations are true.
Bribery of a Police OIC prevented
He also said that in Horowpathana a person was arrested by the Bribery Commission while allegedly trying to bribe the OIC to help release a man detained in connection with the bombings.
The OIC was allegedly offered 500,000 in total not to raise any objections for bail.
A Rs. 250,000 advance was also offered, said Gunasekara.
The OIC had tipped off the Bribery Department and the man was caught trying to give the money at the police officers official residence.
The suspect Abdul Majid Niaz was arrested on 28 April by the Horowpathana police and was before producing to court where he was remanded till 14 May
Gunesekara also added that the two parties involved in a recent clash in Negombo had withdrawn police complaints against each other.
He said that the parties involved in the incident have agreed come to an understanding to maintain peace in the area.
(Republic Next)