Fort Magistrate Thilina Gamage yesterday ordered the technical officer of Miracle Dome, Minuwangoda Road, Katunayake,
which is said to belong to Pastor Jerome Fernando, to appear at the Digital Forensic Division of the Criminal Investigation Department today (27) at 9 am and give a statement regarding the 267 CCTV cameras installed at the institute.
This was pursuant to a notice from the Court for non-production CCTV footage from June 18 to 25. A panel of lawyers, including Anura Maddegoda PC, who appeared in Court, stated that this officer is a 20-year-old youth and is working in that institution on a monthly salary.
The Criminal Investigation Department is conducting investigations against Pastor Jerome Fernando for criticizing religious beliefs and making comments detrimental to harmony between communities. According to a notice issued by the Court for not providing footage related to the 267 CCTV cameras installed in the institute from June 18 to 25, the IT officer of the Miracle Dome, belonging to the suspect appeared in open Court.
Investigations carried out by the Criminal Investigation Department have revealed that the Miracle Dome which has seating facilities for 5,000 has been constructed at a cost of Rs.6100 million.
The CID filing a report according to the investigations conducted from the 7th to the 12th, states it has been found that 12,260 million rupees have been received in the personal accounts of Pastor Jerome, the accounts of his private business, the accounts of the church where his prayers are held and the accounts of 12 Government and private banks belonging to his wife.
The Criminal Investigation Department has informed the Court that investigations are being conducted under the Money Laundering Act regarding the manner in which this money was received.
Subashini Senanayake