A formal complaint was lodged by the Presidential Secretariat with the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) on the 6th of this month, alleging that several inmates were unlawfully released from prison under the guise of being pardoned.
Following the complaint, the CID has launched a comprehensive investigation. According to a statement issued by the Police Media Spokesperson’s Office, the Commissioner General of Prisons has already been questioned, and his statement has been recorded as part of the inquiry.
The Police Media Spokesperson further confirmed that the investigation is ongoing, with additional documents yet to be reviewed. A second statement is also expected to be recorded from the Commissioner General of Prisons. Preliminary findings suggest that a number of inmates may have been released unlawfully under the Presidential Amnesty granted during the last Vesak season.
The investigation, conducted by the CID, targets all individuals allegedly involved in the irregular release of prisoners, including prison officials. Information uncovered so far indicates that in previous instances as well, individuals not approved for release under the Presidential Amnesty were nonetheless freed.
The Police Media Spokesperson’s Office stated that inquiries will continue into the unauthorized release of convicted prisoners, and the CID has commenced detailed investigations into this serious matter.
