Police have initiated an investigation after Inspector Duminda Jayathilaka, the Officer In-Charge of the Organized Crime Division at the Colombo Crimes Division, fled the country citing death threats from underworld gangs targeting him and his family.
Departing for France on February 14 from the Bandaranaike International Airport, Inspector Jayathilaka was accompanied by personal security guards as a precaution against the looming threats. Among the gangsters allegedly threatening him are Kanjipani Imran and Heenatiyana Mahesh.
Making statements to the media from aboard the plane, Inspector Jayathilaka detailed the threats he purportedly received from criminals.
Police spokesman DIG Nihal Thalduwa expressed suspicion about the incidents, suggesting that Inspector Jayathilaka may have sought personal gain. The threats intensified following the arrest of suspects involved in the poisoning of two individuals at the Aduruppu Veediya police station. Despite receiving official protection from the Colombo Crimes Division, Inspector Jayathilaka opted to leave for France to ensure the safety of his wife and seven-year-old daughter.
Reports indicate Inspector Jayathilaka played a crucial role in apprehending several homicide suspects last year and was involved in investigating an attempted escape by 'Harak Kata' from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).
DIG Thalduwa said that Inspector Jayathilaka was on leave from February 14 to March 6 and failure to return by March 6 would result in considering him to have vacated his post.
