INDIA COMPUTER HARD DRIVES STOLEN http://www.sundaytimes.lk/index.php/latest/8158-hard-disks-may-have-been-stolen-but-we-have-copies-sports-minister

‘Hard disks may have been stolen. But we have copies’ - Sports Minister

TUESDAY, 14 JUNE 2011 17:02

Sri Lanka’s Minister of Sports affairs, Mahindananda Aluthgamage today revealed that there are copies in his possession of all data stored inside the computer hard disks which are believed to be stolen by an unknown group on Sunday.

He stated this today at a press conference held in connection to the Commonwealth Games 2018 bid at the Central Bank Auditorium.

“Those who stole it maybe under the impression that, things are happening in favour of them. But I can confidently say to all that the we (Ministry of Sports) has copies of those hard disks what are believed to be stolen by a so called unknown gang,” he said.

Replying to a question raised by one of the journalists, Minister Aluthgamage added that hidden arms who could be well related with all inside facts probably someone within the bureau itself could be the offender.

“Obviously, who else would need those records than someone from inside?” the Minister asked.

“Knowing some of those characters well in advance, we made sure to gather all the information stored inside all computers of the World Cup 2011 secretariat office,” he revealed.

Contradicting reports emerged on the incident related to the missing computer hard disks which are believed to be contained with valuable information pertaining to the ICC Cricket World Cup, from few computers placed at the World Cup 2011 Secretariat office inside the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) premises in Colombo.

Sources close to SLC revealed that the CID had conducted a search following a complaint received by its Chief Security Advisor, Lawrence Fernando.

“Almost all the computers had been searched by the team,” the source said.

“Mr. Lawrence lodged a complaint at Cinnamon Garden Police station that some unknown people had entered the secretariat office of ICC Cricket World Cup and taken away hard disks of few computers which contained valuable information. So the Police had acted in response to the complaint.”

Police officers conducted an inquiry on the incident before the CID officials took essential finger marks from the location. The unknown suspects have snatched hard disks from four computers according to revealed information on Sunday.

“Most confidential information related to logistical data and World Cup ticket sales is said to have contained in these disks. How could total outsiders get inside a building that has been under security watch and know which computers to go for without internal support. Surely there is an insider’s hand involved in this case,” the source revealed.

“The Police are investigating and very soon we can expect a result. For sure, very soon we can reveal who the offender is,” the Minister stated.

It was earlier reported that the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) had conducted a raid inside the World Cup Secretariat located inside the SLC premises on Sunday evening. But the CID Investigations Chief denied conducting such a raid.