Police fail to inquire into STF shooting

[TamilNet, Monday, 17 July 2000, 22:02 GMT]
The Vellaveli Police, who conducted an inquiry in to the killing of two Tamil civilians by the Special Task Force (STF) elite troops on 9 March, failed to produce their investigation report to the Anti-Harassment Committee which had its sittings in Batticaloa Monday. The Anti Harassment Committee ordered the Senior Superintendent of Police S.Sankar to produce the inquiry report by July 24.

Thirumeni Sunthararajah (24) and Suntharaligam Subendran (23) were arrested and shot dead by the Vellaveli STF on March 9 this year when they were going to Mandoor to bid farewell to their relatives before they traveled abroad for employment.

Pon.Selvarajah, an MP for Batticaloa brought this issue to the Anti Harassment Committee. The Anti Harassment Committee took up this matter for inquiry for the fourth time today. But the Police failed to submit their report into these killings.

Mr.Pon. Selvarajah, told the Committee that the Police were purposely delaying the inquiry by not submitting their report into the killings by the STF. He added that the STF was responsible for those killings and he was prepared to produce necessary witnesses to substantiate his allegation.

In conclusion Mr. Batty Weerakone, Minister of Science and Technology who presided at Monday's sitting instructed Mr.S.Sankar, Senior Supdt. of Police to produce the inquiry report on the next date, July 24.