Three police officers attached to the Homagama Police Station, including the Officer-in-Charge (OIC) of the Crimes Division and two sub-inspectors, have been interdicted over alleged administrative lapses following the death of a suspect in police custody.
The action follows the death of 29-year-old Ishara Harsha Kumara, a resident of Kiriwaththuduwa, who died after being taken into police custody in connection with a drug-related investigation on October 25.
The suspect’s family has alleged that he was severely assaulted by police officers while being held at the Homagama Police Station.
According to relatives, Kumara was unable to walk after being taken for questioning and had to be carried by several officers. They also alleged that he had visible injuries and was bleeding when he was returned to the police cell.
Family members claimed that police arranged for him to be taken to Homagama Base Hospital only after repeated requests for medical assistance, and that he was already dead when he arrived.
However, police have maintained that the suspect suddenly fell ill while in custody and died after being admitted to hospital.
The Homagama Magistrate’s Court ordered a post-mortem examination to determine the cause of death, while a preliminary investigation was initiated under the supervision of the Homagama Assistant Superintendent of Police.
Meanwhile, Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala has instructed Inspector General of Police Priyantha Weerasuriya to conduct a prompt and independent investigation into the incident.
The minister has also directed that appropriate legal action be taken based on the post-mortem findings and the outcome of the investigation. (Newswire)