The infamous paramilitary leader Douglas Devananda has requested the IVth Additional Sessions court in Chennai to recall the arrest warrant issued against him, reports the Express News Service.
The warrant, which is without bail, was issued in 1990, for his alleged part in a shootout and murder case in Chennai during 1986. He has also been accused of kidnapping a boy in 1988. In 1989, he was arrested and released later on bail.
He was previously unable to fight the warrant, due to the risk of arrest if he were to land in India. Indeed, during a visit to India last year, a writ petition was filed against him seeking to arrest and prosecute him in relation to the previous and pending criminal case. However, the Indian External Affairs Ministry reportedly informed the Madras High Court that as a cabinet minister of Sri Lanka, Devananda enjoys diplomatic immunity.
According to the Express News Service, Devananda maybe permitted to appear before the High Commissioner of India in Sri Lanka, and pursue the case via video conferencing.
See more of Douglas' escapades:
The shame of being honoured by Douglas (11 Sep 2012)
Sri Lankan minister threatens to attack journalists (09 Feb 2012)
Paramilitaries monopolise Jaffna cable TV through violent intimidation (10 Jan 2012)
2007 US cable: Sri Lanka killing through Tamil paramilitaries (16 Dec 2010)
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