News and events

Kokkuthoduvai mass grave exhumations to resume on November 20

2023-10-30

Kokkuthoduvai mass grave exhumation work will resume on November 20 stated V. Niranjan, attorney-at-law after appearing on behalf of the families of the disappeared when the mass grave case inquiry was carried out at the Mullaitivu Magistrates Court under the Magistrate Mr. Tharmalingam Pratheepan on October 30, 2023.

He further stated that the exhumation work was to be resumed yesterday, however, due to archeologist Prof. Raj Somadeva’s absence it was decided postpone the work to November 20. Meanwhile, the Court discussed the remaining expenses and ordered to submit a budget to the Court. A submission was made in Court by the Judicial Medical Officer (JMO) Dr. Kanagasabapathy Vasudeva, stating that archeologist Prof. Somadeva requires materials other than the skeletal remains that were exhumed in order to submit an interim report.

Attorney V. Niranjan added that he along with this team appeared on behalf of the families of the disappeared requesting to ensure that the mass grave site is fully secured. Prof. Raj Somadeva had made a submission requesting a radar machine that could detect skeletal remains 50 meters surrounding the mass grave site. The court requested additional information regarding the said radar machine and the request was accepted by the Court. Further consultation on this matter will take place on November 20th prior to the exhumation process.

During yesterday’s hearing JMO Dr. Vasudeva and Accountant from the Mullaitivu Divisional Secretariat were present.