Relatives of a 29-year-old individual, who died while in police custody at the Homagama Police Station, have lodged a complaint with the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka, alleging that he was assaulted by police officers.
The 29-year-old individual resident of Kiriwaththuduwa was arrested over a drug-related allegation and detained at the Homagama Police Station. His death was reported on October 25.
According to his relatives, he had allegedly been subjected to an assault while in custody. Police subsequently took him to the Homagama Base Hospital following a request from his family, but he died after being admitted.
However, police stated that the suspect had been brought to the station during a raid and was later hospitalised after suddenly developing an illness.
Meanwhile, Minister of Public Security Ananda Wijepala has instructed Inspector General of Police Priyantha Weerasuriya to conduct an urgent and independent investigation into the incident.
As part of the investigation, the services of the Officer-in-Charge of the Crimes Division at the Homagama Police Station, a Sub-Inspector of Police and a Police Constable have been suspended with immediate effect.
