2ND LEAD

Abductee recovered dead in EPDP office premises in Batticaloa

[TamilNet, Thursday, 17 July 2008, 12:14 GMT]
A shop owner, who was abducted by the paramilitary EPDP group in Chengkaladi in Ea'raavoor police division on June 19, was found dead and his body was recovered Thursday in the backyard of the EPDP office, which is guarded by the Sri Lanka Army (SLA) of the Kommaathu'rai camp. The location was discovered following the information revealed by the EPDP personnel to the TMVP paramilitary operatives in a 'Police interrogation', according to informed sources. An EPDP person, Kaliyappan Gunaseelan, who was abducted by the TMVP, after Sureshkumar's disappearance, was recovered dead near a pond in Vaazhaichcheanai on 27 June.

The SLA soldiers attempted to block the TMVP personnel, led by paramilitary operative and Chengkaladi Pradeshiya Sabah member Uruththiran Thursday morning when they visited the EPDP camp, which is located on Maa'nikkap Pi'l'laiyaar Road, to recover the dead body.

Later, following a complaint by Sureshkumar's relatives with the Sri Lankan Police station at Ea'raavoor, police officials were present at the site, enabling the dead body to be recovered and identified by Sureshkumar's wife.

The abductors had earlier made a ransom demand for the release of the businessman, and was apparently killed when the victim refused to pay up.

Sureshkumar was not a TMVP member or active supporter, according to his wife.

The EPDP had earlier admitted that they kept Sureshkumar in their custody. He was later released they had explained to her.

Judicial Medical Officer for the Batticoloa District Dr. A. A. N. Rahman visited the scene and was due to hold a autopsy shortly.

Chronology: