MP Shanakiyan Rasamanickam has called for an independent investigation into the death of 23-year-old Sivanesharasha Rinoshan, who died while in custody following his arrest over an alleged bicycle theft.
Rinoshan, a resident of Sinna Uppodai, Batticaloa, had been arrested by the Batticaloa Headquarters Police on December 2.
According to the MP, his family last saw him at the station that evening, where he appeared unharmed. However, when he was produced in court the next day, they allege he showed signs of having been assaulted.
In a social media post, MP Rasamanickam says that after being remanded, Rinoshan was transferred from prison to hospital on December 5 and later died.
Police have attributed the death to illness allegedly linked to the use of synthetic drugs, while the family claims police brutality.
“This is not the first such incident in Batticaloa,” Rasamanickam said, urging for an inquiry independent of the Batticaloa Police.
“When someone is arrested, the State is responsible for their life, safety, and dignity. No allegation — especially one as minor as bicycle theft — justifies a death in custody,” Rasamanickam added.
He also called for the immediate release of the post-mortem report. (Newswire)