The Headquarters Inspector of the Homagama Police Station has been suspended with effect from October 28 over alleged negligence and failure to properly supervise officers in connection with the death of a suspect in police custody.
According to reports, the Inspector General of Police (IGP) ordered the suspension of Headquarters Inspector M.R.S. Prajan Senanayake following investigations that revealed serious lapses in the performance of his duties.
The suspect had been arrested by Homagama Police on October 25 for allegedly possessing 490 milligrams of ICE narcotics and subsequently died while in police custody.
Investigations revealed that the Headquarters Inspector had failed to properly monitor the suspect’s condition while in detention, provide necessary instructions to investigating officers, and ensure that records relating to the arrest were accurately maintained.
He was also found to have failed to exercise proper supervision, allowing police officers to unlawfully detain two individuals at the police station.
Meanwhile, three other officers attached to the Homagama Police Station, including the Officer-in-Charge of its Crimes Division, were suspended with effect from October 26 in connection with the incident.
The Crimes Division OIC was subsequently arrested yesterday (28) and is scheduled to be produced before court today (29). (Newswire)