An investigation has been launched into allegations that a man was assaulted by police officers after being taken into custody at the Ambalangoda Police Station, following the circulation of a video on social media.
The man’s son has alleged that his father was severely assaulted by police officers after being taken into custody on the night of August 24.
According to the son, his father was stopped about 100 metres from their home and taken to the police station after he was unable to produce his National Identity Card. He alleged that his father had offered to take the officers to his nearby home to produce the ID, but was instead verbally abused and assaulted.
The son further alleged that his father was assaulted at the police station, threatened with a firearm and prevented from immediately receiving medical treatment.
He said he went to the police station after becoming concerned when his father failed to return home and found him bleeding from his injuries. The family disputes the police claim that the man had been intoxicated at the time.
Police, however, have given a different account of the incident.
According to police, the man was arrested on the night of August 24 for allegedly being intoxicated and behaving disorderly on a road.
Police said the suspect attempted to flee while being arrested but fell while doing so, causing the bleeding injuries visible in the video circulating on social media.
Police said the man was subsequently admitted to Balapitiya Hospital on August 25 and examined by a Judicial Medical Officer. The Additional Magistrate of Balapitiya later ordered his release on bail.
Following the allegations against the officers, the Inspector General of Police has ordered a separate investigation into the incident.
Police said the investigation is being conducted under the supervision of the DIG in charge of the Galle District and led by a senior police officer serving outside the Elpitiya Police Division, under which the Ambalangoda Police Station operates.
The circumstances surrounding the man’s injuries and the conflicting accounts provided by the family and police are now subject to the investigation. (Newswire)