Further details have emerged regarding the death of a 27-year-old remand prisoner who was shot by a prison officer at the Dumbara Prison in Pallekele, Kandy, with relatives raising concerns over the circumstances surrounding his death.
Prisons Media Spokesman and Commissioner Senaka Pallathtenna stated that the inmate was shot while allegedly attempting to seize a firearm from a prison officer.
The incident occurred at around 8.00 p.m. on Sunday (01), when the prisoner reportedly attempted to escape from the prison.
Meanwhile, family members of the deceased have alleged that they were not properly informed of the incident and only learned about his death through other individuals.
According to relatives, they subsequently visited the Galagedara Police and the hospital seeking information but were not provided with a clear explanation of what had occurred.
They also claimed that they had not been allowed to see the deceased’s face and had received only limited information about his death.
One relative alleged that the inmate had been in prison for only three days and that the family had heard claims that he had suffered broken bones.
The relatives have called for justice over the death, stating that although his life cannot be restored, they expect a fair investigation into the incident.
The deceased, a resident of Galagedara in Kandy, had reportedly married around six months ago, while his wife is said to be two months pregnant.
He had been remanded over allegations of possessing seven grams of narcotics.
Earlier information indicated that he had been in remand custody for approximately one week.
His body was transferred to the Kandy National Hospital following the incident. (Newswire)
