Four police constables from the Wadduwa Police Station have been arrested in connection with the death of a suspect who was taken into custody on February 10, 2025, and later released on bail before being admitted to the hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.
The Panadura Divisional Crime Investigation Bureau, under the supervision of the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) for the Panadura Division, launched an investigation following allegations that the suspect was brutally assaulted while in police custody. The officers in question were arrested on February 12, 2025, after preliminary findings suggested that their actions may have directly contributed to the suspect’s death.
According to initial reports, the deceased was arrested by a police team in Wadduwa on suspicion of an offense and was brought to the Wadduwa Police Station. He was held for several hours before being released on bail. However, after returning home, the suspect began vomiting blood and was rushed to the hospital, where he later passed away.
Eyewitnesses and family members of the deceased have alleged that he was subjected to severe police brutality while in detention. His wife filed an official complaint at the Panadura SSP’s office, claiming that the victim had repeatedly expressed pain and distress after his release, stating that he had been beaten by the police.
Following an internal review, the four police constables were taken into custody and will be presented before the Panadura Magistrate’s Court on February 13, 2025. Additionally, they have been suspended from duty, and disciplinary action is expected to follow.
The incident has sparked public outraage, with human rights activists and legal experts calling for a transparent investigation into police misconduct. The authorities have assured that a full inquiry will be conducted, and any officers found guilty of wrongdoing will be held accountable under the law.
For far too long, police have routinely tortured suspects in custody attempting to extract confessions or simply venting their ego driven sense of pride and indignation. Although torture is clearly illegal and against all international laws, these police brutes have always kicked people when they were at their mercy. The system change must ensure police are always punished for their crimes, with CCTV monitoring etc.