The Police launched an investigation into an incident in Gokarella where a Police officer was seen attempting to assault – or assaulting, a couple with an iron rod, as captured in a video that is now circulating widely on social media.

The incident reportedly took place on 24 May night. 

The video shows two Police officers at the scene, with one of them holding an iron rod and appearing to threaten or attack the male motorcyclist, who is seen filming the situation. The man can be heard in the video claiming that the officer had already assaulted his wife. Moments later, the officer is seen returning to the Police vehicle and placing the rod inside it.

When contacted by The Daily Morning, the Police Media Division stated that the Gokarella Police had reported that a heated argument had broken out when officers stopped a motorbike that was speeding. An official said that an investigation is currently underway into the incident.

A Police Constable (PC) attached to the Gokarella Police Station has meanwhile been suspended from duties. This is in relation to an incident that occurred on 24 May, during which a confrontation took place between the PC in question and an individual, leading to an assault. A video showing the PC physically assaulting the individual has been circulating on social media recently. The incident reportedly occurred along the Ibbagamuwa-Madagalla road in Gokarella, when a person on a motorcycle, who was travelling at high speed, and a woman were being questioned by Police officers. The assault took place during the ensuing argument. The Superintendent of Police of Kurunegala District One initiated an investigation and has confirmed that the PC attached to the Gokarella Police Station has been suspended from duty.

This incident comes at a time when public concern over Police misconduct remains high. Despite repeated assurances from the authorities and recent directives such as the Acting Inspector General of Police’s circular allowing the public to record Police officers performing their duties, there continue to be reports of officers using excessive force, intimidating civilians, or acting outside legal boundaries.