A post-mortem examination of the 29-year-old suspect who died after being taken into custody by the Homagama Police is scheduled to be conducted at the Kalubowila Hospital today (27).
According to the Police, investigations into the circumstances surrounding the suspect’s death are underway under the direct supervision of the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) in charge of the Homagama Division, with the Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) in charge of Homagama District (II) overseeing the inquiry.
Meanwhile, three police officers attached to the Homagama Police Station have been suspended with effect from October 26 in connection with the incident.
The suspended officers include two Sub-Inspectors who served as the Officers-in-Charge of the Crimes Division and the Anti-Corruption/Raids Unit, respectively, and a Police Constable assigned to support duties.
The Police further stated that, on the instructions of the Inspector General of Police (IGP), the Western Province South Divisional Crimes Division and the Police Special Investigation Unit have also launched separate investigations into the incident.
The deceased, a 29-year-old resident of Moonamalewatta, Kiriwaththuduwa, was arrested at Pitipana Junction in Homagama on October 25 for allegedly possessing crystal methamphetamine, commonly known as ‘Ice’.
According to the Homagama Police, the suspect suddenly fell ill after being brought to the police station following his arrest. He was subsequently admitted to the Homagama Base Hospital for treatment, where he later died.
Following the incident, the Homagama Magistrate’s Court was informed, and the Acting Magistrate visited the Homagama Base Hospital to conduct a magisterial inquiry into the death.
Further investigations are underway. (Newswire)