Colombo Tamil businessman files FR petition

[TamilNet, Friday, 15 June 2007, 11:28 GMT]
A leading Tamil businessman in Fort who was arrested on an allegation that he had been transporting prohibited items to LTTE has filed a fundamental right petition in the Sri Lanka's Supreme Court. He is being detained in the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) office since his arrest on May 12, legal sources said.

Petitioner, Selliah Paramananthan of Kollupity, has cited the Director, CID, Officer in Charge of the Terrorist Intelligence Unit (TIU) Inspector General of Police, Defence Secretary and Attorney general as respondents.

Senior Counsel Ms Gowrishankary Thavarajah on behalf of the petitioner filed the petition.

The petitioner has denied that he had transported a consignment of walkie-talkies by his lorry to Vavuniya. He adds that he had transported 32 TV sets handed over by one Niranjan with a consignment of sugar and potatoes in his lorry.

Niranjan had paid a sum of Rs. 9,600 as hire. He had no connection in transporting prohibited items.

The petitioner prays that the court should declare that his arrest and detention are illegal and should release him. The petition also seeks Rs. 500,000 as compensation.