Four Police Officers Jailed for Torturing Teen Suspect

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Balapitiya High Court sentenced four police officers to rigorous imprisonment and fines for the inhumane torture of a 15-year-old boy taken into custody over a theft allegation in 2008.

Delivering the verdict, High Court Judge Priyantha Liyanage stated that the prosecution had proven the case beyond reasonable doubt. 

The officers were found guilty of subjecting the minor to cruel and degrading treatment while in custody.

The sentences are as follows:

Retired Chief Inspector (1st accused): 8 years of rigorous imprisonment and a fine of Rs. 100,000. Failure to pay will result in an additional 6 months of imprisonment and Rs. 100,000 in compensation to the victim. If unpaid, a further 1-year sentence will be imposed.

Inspector serving in Elpitiya (2nd accused): 9 years of rigorous imprisonment and a Rs. 100,000 fine. Non-payment will lead to an additional 1-year sentence and Rs. 100,000 in compensation. Failure to pay both will result in another year of imprisonment.

Sergeant serving in Kalutara (3rd accused): 8 years of rigorous imprisonment and a Rs. 100,000 fine. If unpaid, he will serve an additional year and pay Rs. 50,000 in compensation. Failure to pay both will result in another year of imprisonment.

Police Assistant (4th accused): 8 years of rigorous imprisonment and a Rs. 100,000 fine. Non-payment will lead to an additional year of imprisonment and Rs. 50,000 in compensation. Failure to pay both will result in another year of imprisonment.

The incident occurred on March 7, 2008, when the boy was allegedly tortured while in police custody.