The Batticaloa Magistrate yesterday discharged a falsely accused ex-combatant after investigations revealed that the two Police officers stationed at Vavunathivu were brutally murdered on 30 November 2018 by militants affiliated to the National Thowheed Jamath (NTJ). Kathirgamathambi Rajakumaran alias Ajanthan was detained under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) following the incident. On 1 May, the Batticaloa Magistrate refused to grant Ajanthan bail even after it had come to light that the NTJ was linked to the murders. Ajanthan’s detention was extended to a further three months which had been signed by the Secretary of the Ministry of Defence. The Magistrate upon refusing to grant bail had instructed the attorneys to obtain a fresh letter to approve his bail request. Following the fresh detention order, Minister R. Sampanthan emailed a letter to the Secretary to the Ministry of Defence on 1 May to discharge Ajanthan from detention if the investigations revealed that the Police constables were killed by the NTJ. Ten days following the request Ajanthan was discharged from detention but is required to appear in court tomorrow (13).