Sri Lanka's ex-Army Chief General Sarath Fonseka taken into custody
merisarkar news service
New Delhi, February 08, 2010
Gen Fonseka challenged the President Rajpakse
Eyewitnesses say that he was forcefully taken away by the military police.
President of Sri Lanka's Muslim Congress told the media, "In a very shameful manner, he was forcefully dragged away by the authorities."
A security officer of General Fonseka also confirmed the news to the media.
Sri Lanka's defence ministry spokesperson, Brigadier Udaya Nanyakkara confirmed that General Fonseka has indeed been taken into custody.
International media reported that Mahinda Rajpakse’s government is planning to charge him with plotting a military coup and conspiring against the government.
General Fonseka led the army in the decisive battle against the LTTE last year. However, President Mahinda Rajpakse and General Fonseka both had proclaimed the credit for the victory over the LTTE.
Soon after LTTE's defeat Gen Fonseka decided to quit the army accusing President Mahinda Rajpakse of sidelining him.
He decided to contest the recently held presidential election and emerged as the main challenger to his former boss. During the election campaign both sides had accused the other of committing war crimes and corruption.
After the election result, Gen Fonseka had vowed to mount a legal challenge and expressed fear to safety of his life.
He also appealed to Indian government to ensure his safety.
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