HRCSL summons Homagama police officers over death in custody

The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) has summoned three officers, including the Officer-in-Charge of the Homagama Police Station, to appear before the Commission on Thursday (29) over the death of a man in a police cell.

HRCSL Commissioner Attorney-at-Law Nimal G. Punchihewa said the officers had been asked to appear as part of the Commission’s inquiry into the death.

The Commission has also recorded statements from several relatives of the deceased.

Meanwhile, the Western Province South Crime Division has recorded statements from several Homagama Police officers as part of a separate investigation.

Police said statements had been obtained from four officers who were on duty at the time the man was arrested.

Earlier, the Officer-in-Charge of the Homagama Police Crime Branch, the Officer-in-Charge of the Anti-Corruption Raids Unit and a police constable were suspended from duty in connection with the incident.

Investigators have also recorded a statement from the deceased man’s sister.

Police said they were also expected to seek a court order to record a statement from another suspect who was arrested together with the deceased and is currently in remand custody.