Sri Lanka Police has issued a clarification regarding false news circulating on social media and several websites, which alleged that a special investigation was underway against SI Prasanna of Mount Lavinia for giving electric shocks to a suspect in custody.
Issuing a statement, The Police stated that no such investigation has been initiated and described the reports as fabricated.
The Police said, per a report from the Mount Lavinia Police, on Sunday (07), a team of officers including a Sub‑Inspector attached to the Badowita Police post arrested a resident of Badowita for possession of 10.150 grams of heroin.
The suspect was later referred to the Judicial Medical Officer at Kalubowila Teaching Hospital, where he claimed to have been assaulted by arresting officers. Following examination, the JMO admitted him for residential treatment under police protection.
On Monday (08), the Mount Lavinia Magistrate visited the hospital and conducted an inspection. During this process, the suspect stated to the Magistrate that he had not been assaulted by police officers. The Magistrate subsequently ordered that the suspect be detained for seven days to facilitate further investigations.
The Police pointed out that unverified information relating to this incident has been misrepresented online, resulting in the spread of false news. (Newswire)