Child sex-trafficking case: Four including cardiologist, deputy PS chairman granted bail

The cardiologist, Deptuy Chairman of Mihintale Pradesiya Sabha & the two gem businessmen, who were arrested for sexual exploitation of a 15-year-old girl, were granted bail today (July 09).

They were produced before Colombo Magistrate’s Court.

Taking into account the submissions presented by the defense attorneys, Additional Magistrate Lochani Abeywickrama said it is unwarranted to keep the suspects in remand custody as the investigations into the incident have concluded.

Accordingly, the additional magistrate ordered to release each suspect on a cash bail of Rs. 25,000 and a personal bail of Rs. 2.5 million.

Further, the suspects were strictly advised to refrain from interfering with the Investigations or pressurizing the witnesses of the case.

The bail conditions will be revoked and the suspects would be remanded again in the event of such conduct, the additional magistrate warned.

In addition, they were directed to report to the Child & Women Bureau between 9.00 am and 12.00 noon every Sunday.

The case against the four suspects will be taken up again on the 19th of August.

According to the additional magistrate, the victimized teen has quite easily recognized the four suspects during an identity parade this morning.

The 15-year-old has revealed that the main suspect of this child sex-trafficking ring, identified as ‘Rajeev’, had concealed the fact that she was a minor when he sold her to third parties.

Further, it was revealed that none of the suspects had inquired about her age.

Meanwhile, another website owner who was taken into custody by the CID over the incident, was produced before the court today. He was accordingly placed under remand custody until July 20.

In addition, the manager and a receptionist of the hotel at Milagiriya Avenue in Bambalapitiya used by the perpetrators for sexual exploitation of the teen, were remanded until July 16 after being produced before the court.