Date:09/10/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/10/09/stories/2007100961320500.htm

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

PIL seeks CBI probe into killing of Sri Lankan

Special Correspondent

CHENNAI: A public interest litigation petition seeking a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the killing of a Sri Lankan fishermen leader by a security guard at Madurai Central Prison, has been filed in the Madras High Court.

Advocate A.P. Suryaprakasam, who mentioned the matter before the First Bench comprising Chief Justice A.P. Shah and Justice P. Jyothimani on Monday, also prayed for an interim compensation of Rs. 10 lakh to the family of the victim.

He said senior Prison Department officials, including the Additional Director-General of Prisons, attempted to justify the action of the prison guard, who had “committed a daylight murder.” Instead of treating it as a case of murder, officials informed the media that Warnakulasooriya Canicius Fernando was shot when he did not reply to the queries of the guard.

Mr. Suryaprakasam said departmental proceedings should be initiated not only against the guard but also against the officials who had “attempted to cover up this ghastly murder.”