The Harak Kata bribery case saw three suspects granted strict conditional bail over an alleged Rs. 120 million payment and promised concessions.
Three suspects in the Harak Kata bribery case were granted strict conditional bail by the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court on July 28.
The suspects had been arrested and remanded over an alleged Rs. 12 crore, or Rs. 120 million, bribe linked to organised criminal figure Nadun Chinthaka, alias “Harak Kata.”
Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama granted bail to attorney Rakitha Nirmal Rajapaksa, Samagi Jana Balawegaya Horana organiser Charitha Wasantha Kumara Abeyasinghe, and former Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) Limited director Varushanandige Aruna Sri Chaturanga.
Get Breaking News First
on WhatsApp
Strict Bail Conditions Imposed
The court ordered each suspect to deposit Rs. 100,000 in cash bail.
Each suspect must also provide two surety bonds valued at Rs. 5 million each.
The Magistrate imposed an immediate overseas travel ban and directed officials to notify the Controller of Immigration.
The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption launched the inquiry after receiving a complaint and conducting an extended investigation.
Investigators allege that the suspects solicited and accepted Rs. 120 million from Harak Kata’s wife.
In return, they allegedly promised to secure legal and prison-related facilities, intervene in cases to assist his release, and obtain other concessions.
Harak Kata remains in remand custody.
The allegations have not yet been proven in court, and the granting of bail does not determine the suspects’ guilt or innocence.
The Bribery Commission is continuing its investigation into the alleged payment and the roles attributed to each suspect. The court will call the Harak Kata bribery case again on a future date.
