ASP's knowledge on routine TID matters scrutinized in Tissainayagam trial

[TamilNet, Sunday, 05 October 2008, 06:31 GMT]
During cross examination by the Defense Counsel Anil Silva in the Tissainayagam trial at the Colombo High Court on Thursday, the Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), Sri Lal Ananda Raj Ranasinghe of Terrorist Investigation Division (TID), who recorded the alleged confession made by Tissainayagam, admitted to errors in dates when the "alleged confession" took place, and failed provide answers to many questions on routine matters related to procedures at the TID, legal sources in Colombo said.

During the voir dire inquiry, a questioning to ascertain the suitability of the witness, ASP Sri Lal Ranasinghe, admitted that he errorneously signed the statement that the "alleged confession" took place on the 9th May. The Judicial Medical Officer's (JMO's) report had said that Tissainayagam was examined on May 8th."

While refuting Defense Counsel's suggestion that Mr Ranasinghe was not present the alleged confession was recorded, the Mr Ranasinghe said he personally recorded the "volunteered confession."

Although Mr Ranasinghe was in charge of administrative duties at the TID, during the cross examination Mr Ranasinghe admitted to have no knowledge on several procedural matters at the TID. legal sources said.

Defense Counsel: Did you know that Tissainayagam had taken a fundamental rights case regards torture at the TID?
ASP: I don't know

Defense Counsel: Did you know he had a serious eye condition?
ASP: I don't know

Defense Counsel: Did you know that lawyers sent faxes trying to see Mr. Tissainayagam?
ASP: I don't know

Defense Counsel: Would you have known if lawyers came to the TID?
ASP: I don't know Defense Counsel: You said you read Tissainayagam the Emergency Regulations of 2005. Do you know that those Emergency Regulations say that you cannot keep detainees more than 90 days in the TID?
ASP: I don't know Defense Counsel: Do you know how long detainees are kept in the TID?
ASP: I don't know Defense Counsel: If detainees are kept more than 90 days how do you keep them more than 90 days?
ASP: We write to the Defense Secretary and say that we have not finished investigations. Defense Counsel: Did you know that is illegal to keep detainees in the TID for more than 90 days?
ASP: I don't know Defense Counsel: Did you know that you had a detainee called Mohana Ruben in your custody?
ASP: I don't know Defense Counsel: Did you know he had taken a Fundamental Rights case against the TID?
ASP: I don't know Defense Counsel: Did you know the Supreme Court in that case said that it was illegal for any detainee to be held at the TID for more than 90 days?
ASP: I don't know Defense Counsel: I guessed that you would say that.

The case will continue on October 6th.