Conflicting claims, allegations of intoxication, and counter-complaints have prompted a full investigation after a police officer accused an MP of assault, triggering political fallout and forensic scrutiny.
A comprehensive investigation has been launched into allegations made by a police constable that Ratnapura District MP Shantha Padmakumara assaulted him, as police examine both the incident itself and whether the officer was intoxicated at the time.
Police Media Spokesperson, Assistant Superintendent of Police F. U. Woodler, said the officer would be referred to a forensic medical officer to determine whether alcohol was involved during the alleged incident. He explained that the inquiry would focus on establishing the facts objectively through medical reports, CCTV footage, and witness statements.
The police constable had initially contacted the 119 emergency call unit, claiming that the MP assaulted him. His wife later stated that action was taken to admit him to hospital based on information he provided to her over the phone. The officer is attached to the Suriyakanda Police and had previously been involved in a cannabis raid on land alleged to belong to a relative of the MP.
Denying the allegation, Mr. Shantha Padmakumara stated that he did not assault any police officer. Instead, he has filed a counter-complaint with the Kolonna Police, alleging that the officer stopped his vehicle while he was travelling and threatened him. According to the MP, the officer followed his vehicle and attempted to provoke a confrontation.
The Embilipitiya Divisional Criminal Investigation Division is now handling the investigation. Police confirmed that CCTV footage from the area surrounding the incident is being analyzed and statements are being recorded from relevant witnesses to establish an accurate timeline of events.
Addressing a media conference, the MP claimed that political motives were behind the allegations. He stated that the Samagi Jana Balawegaya was directly involved in spreading claims that he assaulted a police officer, calling the accusations completely false.
“The police officer was very drunk. That’s why we beat him with whips,” the MP said, while also asserting that the officer attempted to conceal his intoxication by fabricating a story involving a packet of kashippu.
The MP further questioned why the officer failed to immediately report the matter to the police if an assault had truly occurred, noting instead that the officer contacted a Samagi Jana Balawegaya MP representing the Kolonna electorate.
He concluded by stating that the officer himself was hospitalized following the incident, reiterating that the truth would emerge through the ongoing investigation.
