Sri Lanka's Former Police Chief Tennakoon Faces Legal Turmoil Amid Aragalaya Crackdown

Deshabandu Tennakoon, Sri Lanka's former chief of police, finds himself at the center of legal scrutiny after being remanded to judicial custody until August 27. This development marks his second stint in remand within five months, highlighting the ongoing fallout from his alleged actions during the 2022 Aragalaya protests.

Tennakoon, arrested on charges related to the 2022 crackdown, appeared before the Colombo Fort magistrate's court after his anticipatory bail request was denied. His legal challenges are compounded by a parliamentary panel's decision earlier to formally dismiss him from his position as inspector general amid misconduct allegations.

His arrest and subsequent courtroom appearances emphasize the enduring consequences of the former government's response to peaceful protests, which ultimately led to then-president Gotabaya Rajapaksa's resignation. Tennakoon's involvement in these events remains under intense scrutiny as the nation grapples with its recent political and social upheavals.

(With inputs from agencies.)