'Harak Kata' Placed In Non-Prison Security Facility

COLOMBO (News 1st); Notorious organized crime figure Nandun Chinthaka Wickramaratne, widely known as Harak Kata, is currently being held in a non-prison secure facility, according to police sources, citing serious threats to national and public security.

The detention is being carried out under Section 15(a)(1) of the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), with the Defense Secretary’s authorization.

Investigators informed the court that placing Harak Kata in a regular prison could pose a significant risk, prompting authorities to opt for a more controlled environment.

The Attorney General has filed a case before the Colombo High Court against Harak Kata and four other individuals, including former CID constable Ravindu Sandeepa Gunasekara, Dinesh Tharanga, Ruwan Chamara alias Midigama Ruwan, and Sanjeewa Abeysinghe.

The charges include conspiring to escape custody while under arrest by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).

Previously, indictments were filed against Harak Kata and two others.

However, with the recent arrest of two additional suspects, Deputy Solicitor General Sajith Bandara requested court permission to withdraw the earlier indictment and submit a revised one.

The suspects have also filed appeals before the Court of Appeal, and the High Court judge noted that if those appeals are withdrawn, a formal order regarding the indictment revision could be issued.

Defense attorneys informed the court that they intend to file a motion to withdraw the appeals.