- WP South Crime Division questions 7 cops, to obtain court order to question a suspect
- Deceased’s family complains to Police HQ
- Open verdict in PM exam
The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) has summoned the Officer-in-Charge (OIC) of the Homagama Police Station and two other officers to appear before the Commission to provide information regarding the death of a man reportedly found dead inside a Police cell at the Station. The officers have been summoned to appear today (29), according to Commissioner, attorney-at-law Nimal G Punchihewa. As part of its investigation into the incident, the HRCSL has also recorded statements from several members of the deceased man’s family.
Meanwhile, the Western Province South Crime Division, which is conducting a separate investigation into the incident, has recorded statements from several officers attached to the Station. Statements have reportedly been obtained from four Police officers who were on duty at the Station when the deceased was arrested. Earlier, steps were taken to suspend the Crimes OIC, the OIC of the Anti-Corruption and Raid Unit, and another Police Constable in connection with the incident. In addition to the suspended officers, statements have also been recorded from four other Police officers. Police further stated that they intend to obtain a court order to record a statement from another suspect who was arrested alongside the deceased and is currently being held in remand custody.
The Crime-Branch Officer-in-Charge (OIC) of the Homagama Police has been arrested by the Western Province South Crime Division in connection with the death.
The family of the 29-year-old resident of Kiriwaththuduwa and father of two, who died while in Police custody following his arrest by the Homagama Police over a drug-related allegation, has lodged a formal complaint at the Police Headquarters (HQ), seeking legal action against the Police officers allegedly responsible for his death. The wife of the deceased stated that the complaint was submitted to seek justice for her husband and to ensure that appropriate legal action is taken against the officers accused of involvement in the incident. She further maintained that the measures taken against the officers to date were inadequate and called for proper legal proceedings and appropriate punishment for those found responsible. The family is seeking a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.
The death of the suspect was reported on 25 October. He had been detained in a cell at the Homagama Police Station following his arrest. His relatives alleged that he had been subjected to an assault by Police officers. According to the Police, he had suddenly fallen ill. According to the account provided, Police officers subsequently admitted him to the Homagama Base Hospital at the request of his relatives. He later died at the Hospital.
However, Police Media Spokesperson, Assistant Superintendent of Police and attorney F U Wootler has rejected a statement attributed to him in a press release issued by the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) regarding the death of the young man. He stressed that he had never made the statement referred to by the BASL and expressed regret over the BASL’s remarks. The BASL said that family members had reported observing physical injuries that appeared to indicate that he had been severely assaulted. However, according to the BASL, Wootler had reportedly stated that the suspect had suffered a sudden medical emergency during an operation.
Moreover, an open verdict has been delivered following the post-mortem (PM) examination. The PM examination was conducted by a Judicial Medical Officer at the Colombo South Teaching Hospital in Kalubowila. The deceased’s body was handed over to his relatives following the examination.