CLASSIFIED | POLITICS | TERRORISM | OPINION | VIEWS

Magisterial probe into killing of SL fishery trade union leader in Madurai

Ministry of Defence, Public Security, Law & Order

A magisterial enquiry has been ordered into the death of Mr. Canisius Fernando a Sri Lankan national, who was shot dead by an Indian prison guard last Friday (05), Indian news sources reported.

Sri Lankan Deputy High Commissioner in Chennai P.M Hamza said, he was informed by Indian authorities of the killing of Canisuis Fernando a Sri Lankan Fishery trade union activist by a prison guard at India's Madurai Central prison on Friday.

According to Mr. Hamza, Warnakulasooriya Canisius Fernando(44) had duly informed the Sri Lankan High Commission in Chennai of his visit. Mr. Canisius Fernando was a fishery trade union activist in Negombo, who was seeking the release of fellow eight fishermen under Indian custody.

N. Vijendran, The secretary of Lankan Fishermen's Trade Union said that, Mr. Fernando was asked to wait outside of the prison for five hours, from 10.a.m Madurai time, on the day of the tragic incident.

According to N. Vijendran, Mr. Fernando was denied opportunity from visiting the detained Sri Lankan fishermen within the permitted visiting hours. Later this incident has caused in an argument with the prison guards, where the main suspect identified as D. Devaraj shot at Mr. Fernando. The bullet had riddled through Mr. Canisius Fernando below the neck.

The victim had applied for an interview with the prisoners and had in his possession a letter issued by the Sri Lankan Deputy High Commission, Chennai, certifying his identity and purpose of visit, Indian news sources reported.

The post-mortem was held at the "Rajaji Hospital" in Madurai.

Mr. Fernando was working for the release of crewmembers of fishing vessel 'Devdu Prasamsa,' apprehended by the Coast Guard on June 13, 2007.

Indian news sources said, a fact-finding team of Peoples Watch sought action against the Jail Superintendent and other staff on duty.

Disclaimer: The comments contained within this website are personal reflection only and do not necessarily reflect the views of the LankaWeb. LankaWeb.com offers the contents of this website without charge, but does not necessarily endorse the views and opinions expressed within. Neither the LankaWeb nor the individual authors of any material on this Web site accept responsibility for any loss or damage, however caused (including through negligence), which you may directly or indirectly suffer arising out of your use of or reliance on information contained on or accessed through this Web site.
All views and opinions presented in this article are solely those of the surfer and do not necessarily represent those of LankaWeb.com. .

BACK TO LATEST NEWS

DISCLAIMER