Murder of Khuram Shaikh resurfaces

UK MP Simon Danczuk, who had visited Sri Lanka some time back to find out the progress made with regard to the trial in connection with the murder of British citizen, Khuram Shaikh, in Tangalle in December 2011, is expected in Sri Lanka next month as a member of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) delegation.


Speculation is rife that he will raise concerns over the delay in the trial of the murder.
The MP represents the constituency of Rochdale from where Shaikh had hailed.


The MP told Ceylon Today, "I will be visiting Sri Lanka next month as part of a Commonwealth Parliamentary Association delegation, and I will certainly raise my concerns at the fact that justice is not being served. It is appalling that 18 months after this horrific crime, nobody has been charged. When I last visited Sri Lanka in March, I was told by the police, senior civil servants and a Government minister that progress was being made and we could expect to see justice soon. This hasn't happened and the family and many people in Britain feel let down."


He also went on to say that the other victim in the incident, Victoria, who had been allegedly raped at the time the incident had taken place, is very distressed by what had happened, and is still recovering. "Every day is a struggle for her," he said. Meanwhile, the British High Commission (BHC), Colombo, also expressed its displeasure and disappointment over the delay in the trial proceedings of Khuram Shaikh's murder, and assault on his partner, Victoria, while they were holidaying in Tangalle, in December 2011.


In an official communiqué yesterday, the BHC stated that it is now 18 months since the murder of British citizen, Khuram Shaikh, and the assault perpetrated on his partner, and that it is deeply disappointed the trial had not commenced as yet, and reiterates the call for the perpetrators of the terrible crime to be brought to justice, it said it was important for Shaikh's family, justice being done will bring some assurance and peace of mind to other British tourists who visit Sri Lanka each year.


Police Spokesperson, SP Buddhika Siriwardene, when contacted by Ceylon Today said the CID would respond to the British High Commission with regard to the trial proceedings, adding that he cannot make any further comments.


In May this year, MP Danczuk welcomed comments made by MP Namal Rajapaksa, who had said, "there has to be a trial" to make sure the people who committed a murder in his constituency are brought to justice.
MP Rajapaksa had told the BBC that he did not know why the accused were out on bail and that, "there had to be a trial." He had added, "these kinds of incidents should not take place."