Colombo Fort Magistrate Kosala Senadheera yesterday (24) ordered the release of actress Damitha Abeyratne and her husband on bail.
They were arrested and remanded in custody on charges of defrauding Rs. 3,000,000 by falsely promising job seekers employment in Korea. The Magistrate set bail at Rs. 5,000,000 each, stating that since charges cannot be filed under the Immigration Act, the Court has the jurisdiction to grant bail. Additionally, the Magistrate imposed a travel ban on the couple and ordered them to surrender their passports to the Court.
The Magistrate also required the suspects to report to the computer crime section of the Criminal Investigation Department between 9.00 am and 12.00 noon on the last Sunday of every month.
“The prosecution had ample time to investigate the alleged fraud,” the Magistrate remarked while announcing the decision.
“The suspects have repeatedly sought the Court’s assistance. It is questionable whether the prosecution has acted in good faith.”
Meanwhile, the Police argued that the suspects should remain in custody for further investigation, contending that this Court had no authority to grant bail.
Subhashini Senanayake