COLOMBO (News 1st); The death of a 29-year-old suspect while in police custody has triggered a high-level investigation, with authorities moving swiftly to suspend three police officers and hand the probe to a specialized criminal investigation unit.
Police said investigations into the custodial death have now been assigned to the Western Province South Crimes Division.
The development comes after the post-mortem examination into the suspect's death returned an open verdict, leaving investigators to determine exactly what led to the man's death.
Amid mounting scrutiny, action was taken yesterday (26) to interdict three officers attached to the Homagama Police Station.
Those suspended include two Sub-Inspectors who served as Officers-in-Charge of the Crime Division and the Anti-Vice Raids Unit, as well as a Police Constable who had been on duty at the time of the incident.
According to police, the 29-year-old man had been arrested by Homagama Police in connection with narcotics-related offences. He was later admitted to the Homagama Base Hospital after developing a sudden illness and subsequently died while receiving treatment.
The incident has once again placed the spotlight on police accountability and the handling of suspects in custody.
Commenting on the matter, Minister of Public Security Ananda Wijepala said the Government would ensure an independent and systematic investigation and take action based on its findings.
"An independent and proper investigation will be conducted into this incident, and further action will be taken based on the findings of that investigation. Whenever such incidents are reported, we act immediately. The Police, too, must operate within the framework of the law. No officer has the authority to act outside it."
The Minister noted that disciplinary action against officers who violate the law has continued in recent years.
"1,200 officers have been suspended over the past two years. Therefore, we are prepared to take firm action against decisions and actions that violate the law. The Police do not have the authority to exercise power arbitrarily."
In one of his strongest remarks on the issue, the Minister stressed that authorities would not attempt to suppress incidents once they are reported.
"When an incident is reported, unlike in the past, we do not attempt to cover it up. We are committed to investigating every incident and ensuring justice is served."
