The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has informed the Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court of an ongoing investigation into alleged death threats against suspended Inspector General of Police (IGP) Deshabandu Tennakoon, reportedly issued by underworld elements.
The CID has been granted permission by Fort Magistrate Nilupuli Lankapura to record statements from two suspects currently detained at the Boossa High Security Prison in connection with the threats.
Tennakoon had previously requested police protection, citing credible threats to his life, allegedly from notorious criminal gang leader “Kanjipani Imran” and other underworld figures. On May 1, Tennakoon formally submitted a written request for security to Acting IGP Priyantha Weerasuriya.
Reports suggest that Kanjipani Imran, believed to be operating from overseas, has been involved in issuing threats against Tennakoon. The suspended IGP is considered at increased risk following the withdrawal of his official security detail.
Intelligence sources have indicated that several underworld groups may be targeting Tennakoon in retaliation for his leadership in anti-narcotics operations and crackdowns on organized crime.
When contacted, Minister of Public Security Ananda Wijepala confirmed that Tennakoon’s security had been withdrawn following his suspension and subsequent period of evading arrest. However, he assured that any formal request for security would be reviewed and appropriate measures taken.
