Army Intelligence officer arrested over Keith Noyahr assault

An Army Intelligence Sergeant has been arrested by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) over the abduction and assault of journalist Keith Noyahr in 2008, Police said yesterday, bringing the total number of arrested suspects to nine. 

The officer, who has been identified as Chamitha Sumith Kumara, was arrested after being asked to appear before the CID for questioning on Thursday (22 August). 

The arrest was made on instructions issued by Attorney General (AG) Dappula de Livera. Police Spokesman SP Ruwan Gunasekara said the suspect was remanded after he was produced before the Mount Lavinia Magistrate’s court on Friday.

Gunasekara added that the Army Intelligence officer had been named a suspect over the assault of journalist Namal Perera on 3 June 2008 in Kirulapone.

On Thursday, the CID submitted a report on six high profile cases, including that of Keith Noyahr’s abduction, to the AG’s Department. Addressing the media, Police Spokesman Ruwan Gunasekara said investigations into the abduction and assault of Keith Noyahr could be completed within the next two months.