PS chief arrested at last, remanded till end of trial -Murder of British national and gang rape of his girlfriend

By Chitra Weerarathne-January 22, 2014,

Colombo High Court Judge Rohini Walgama, yesterday remanded accused Sampath Vidanapathirana, Chairman of the Tangalle Pradeshiya Sabha, till the end of the trial in respect of the murder of British national Khuram Shaikh and the gang rape of his Russian girlfriend Victoria Alexandrovna.

Vidanapathirana and five others have been indicted in respect of the murder and gang rape on or about December 25, 2012 at a tourist hotel in Tangalle. They face seventeen charges.

When this case was called on January 9, 2014, Vidanapathirana was absent. His counsel told the Court that the third accused Vidanapathirana was hospitalised at a private hospital. However, a medical report was not submitted. Hence the warrant was issued against the accused. Yesterday the CID, had arrested and produced him in court. Attorney at law Hemantha Gamage appeared for the accused.

Senior State Counsel, Thusith Mudalige, appeared with State Counsel Chaminda Athukorale and State Counsel Naomi Wickremasekera for the Attorney General.

The other five accused persons are on bail. The bail granted to Vidanapathirana was cancelled yesterday.

The next date of this case is March 26 and 27, 2014.