Colombo Chief Magistrate Tanuja Lakmali yesterday (06) ordered the release on bail of three suspects, including an Assistant Controller of the Department of Immigration and Emigration, and two photographers, who were arrested in connection with the alleged illegal preparation of a foreign passport for notorious drug trafficker and underworld figure Mandinu Padmasiri, alias Kehelbaddara Padme, currently based in Dubai.
Each suspect was granted bail under two surety bonds of Rs. 1 million. The court also imposed a travel ban on the trio, instructing them to surrender their passports.
The Assistant Controller and the two photographers are accused of facilitating the creation of forged passports for the fugitive, raising serious concerns over the misuse of official state resources.
In addition to bail conditions, the Chief Magistrate ordered the two photographers to appear before the CID on 13 June to provide further statements.
The case is scheduled to be taken up again on 13 November.