Police reveal new details in Homagama custodial death investigation

Sri Lanka Police have provided an update on investigations into the death of a suspect while in the custody of the Homagama Police, revealing that statements have been recorded from 17 individuals so far.

According to the Police Media Division, statements have been obtained from eight civilians and nine police officers as part of the ongoing investigation conducted by the Western Province South District Crime Division on the instructions of the Inspector General of Police.

Police said investigators also visited a prison on October 29 to record a statement from another suspect who had been arrested alongside the deceased on October 24. The statement was obtained following a court order.

Meanwhile, a former Sub-Inspector who served as the Officer-in-Charge of the Crimes Division of the Homagama Police Station, arrested on October 28 in connection with the incident, was produced before the Homagama Magistrate’s Court yesterday (29).

He was subsequently remanded until November 12 for an identification parade.

Police further revealed that investigations had established that the deceased suspect was admitted to Homagama Hospital at 1.05 p.m. on October 24 for treatment following a road accident.

However, hospital records indicate that he had left the hospital without authorization at 5.55 p.m. on the same day.

Investigators have taken steps to report these findings to the court.

The suspect, who was arrested by Homagama Police on October 25, subsequently died after being hospitalized.

Police said a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death remains underway.