Former Eastern Province Chief Minister Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan, alias Pillayan, has been ordered into further remand custody until July 24 in connection with investigations into five murders reported in Batticaloa in 2008.
The order was issued by Batticaloa Magistrate Annathurai Darshini after Pillayan was produced before court via video conferencing.
He has been named the third suspect in the case filed by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA).
During proceedings, the court examined charges linked to multiple killings in Kallady, while witnesses testified and two defense lawyers made submissions on behalf of Pillayan.
The CID told the court that the inquiry is based on evidence of several shootings carried out with T‑56 firearms in 2008.
Investigators allege Pillayan’s involvement in:
The January 9, 2008 shooting near the Murugan Temple in Kallady that killed two people, including a former police officer.
The May 22, 2008 attack on the main road in Kattankudy that left two dead.
The August 20, 2008 killing of another individual in Kothiyapulai, Vavunathivu.
After reviewing submissions, Magistrate Darshini extended remand until July 24. In addition, a separate case linked to a land dispute in Kallady was postponed to October 29.