The Kaduwela Magistrate’s Court has ruled that several vehicles, valued at approximately Rs. 100 million, which were seized and held by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) under operation ‘Yukthiya’, must be returned to their registered owners.
Magistrate Chanima Wijebandara issued this directive, rejecting the CID’s plea to retain the vehicles for further investigation, as reported by Ada Derana.
The defense lawyer vehemently objected in court, arguing that the CID had not obtained proper authorization from the High Court to confiscate the vehicles in question.
In December 2023, the Kaduwela police impounded five luxury buses, a luxury car, and a motorcycle belonging to the sister of Malalage Sudath Kithsiri, known as “Welivita Sudda”, an alleged drug trafficker. Subsequently, these vehicles were transferred to the custody of the CID.
This ruling marks a significant legal victory for the owners of the impounded vehicles, signaling a setback for the CID’s efforts to prolong their detention for ongoing investigations.
Source: Ada Derana
