Activist Wasantha Mudalige has accused officers attached to the Homagama Police Station of brutally assaulting a 29-year-old man who died after being taken into police custody on October 25.
The deceased, identified as Ishara Harsha Kumara, a resident of Kiriwaththuduwa, was arrested during a drug-related investigation.
In a statement shared on social media, Mudalige alleged that the young man had been assaulted inside the police station and that officers had delayed providing medical assistance despite repeated requests from his relatives.
According to the family, officers carried Kumara back to the police cell after questioning because he was unable to walk. Relatives claimed that he had visible injuries and was bleeding from his mouth.
The family further alleged that police only transferred him to Homagama Base Hospital following repeated requests and that he was already dead when he arrived.
Mudalige also raised concerns over the whereabouts of another young man who was reportedly travelling with Kumara on a motorcycle when they were arrested. He alleged that the man’s whereabouts had not been disclosed.
However, Police Spokesman F.U. Wootler rejected claims that the second individual had been made to disappear, describing the allegations as false.
The Police Spokesman said anyone taken into police custody must be produced before court.
Responding to allegations of police brutality, Wootler said legal action would be taken against any officer found to have acted unlawfully, regardless of rank.
Police maintained that Kumara had developed a sudden illness while in custody and died after being admitted to hospital.
A preliminary investigation has been launched under the supervision of the Homagama Assistant Superintendent of Police.
The magisterial inquiry and post-mortem examination were scheduled for today (October 26) to establish the circumstances and cause of death.
Meanwhile, relatives and residents have demanded an impartial investigation and accountability over the incident. (Newswire)