HRCSL Summons Homagama Police Officers Over Custody Death Probe

COLOMBO (News 1st); The investigation into the death of a suspect while in police custody has intensified, with the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka summoning the Officer-in-Charge of the Homagama Police Station and the Officer-in-Charge of its Crime Division to appear before the Commission tomorrow (28) and provide explanations regarding the incident.

The Commission said statements have already been recorded from relatives of the deceased as part of its ongoing inquiry into the case.

Meanwhile, investigations into the death of the suspect while in police custody have been handed over to the Western Province South Crimes Division.

Police said the post-mortem examination conducted into the death had resulted in an open verdict.

In connection with the incident, steps have also been taken to suspend three police officers attached to the Homagama Police Station.

Those suspended include two Sub-Inspectors serving as Officers-in-Charge of the Crime Division and the Anti-Vice Raids Unit of the Homagama Police, as well as a Police Constable who was on duty at the time.

The deceased was a 29-year-old man who had been arrested by the Homagama Police on allegations related to narcotics.

Police said he was admitted to the Homagama Base Hospital after suddenly falling ill while in custody and later died while receiving treatment.