By Roy Denish.
Nagarasa Alex’s custodial death prompted protests after a Jaffna court ruled the death a homicide and ordered police officers arrested.
Outrage gripped Sri Lanka’s Northern Province following the death of Nagarasa Alex, a 25-year-old family man from Sithankerni, Vaddukoddai, after he allegedly suffered severe abuse while in police custody.
Alex was initially arrested by Vaddukoddai Police on suspicion of theft before being transferred to remand custody under a court order.
Family members and human rights advocates alleged that he was subjected to severe physical abuse while in police custody, including being bound and suspended during interrogation, repeatedly assaulted, and subjected to asphyxiation using petrol-soaked bags or covers.
Despite showing signs of severe physical distress, acute pain, and difficulty walking or caring for himself, requests for urgent medical attention were allegedly delayed or ignored.
Although Alex was briefly admitted to the Jaffna Teaching Hospital as his condition deteriorated, he was later returned to prison custody. His health subsequently worsened, and he died after being rushed back to hospital on November 19.
A post-mortem examination and Judicial Medical Officer’s report subsequently attributed his death to severe physical trauma and complications involving his kidneys and other internal organs, prompting widespread public condemnation.
The local Magistrate’s Court subsequently determined that the death was not natural and ordered the arrest of police officers allegedly involved in the incident.
Independent organisations, including the Right to Life Human Rights Centre of Sri Lanka, strongly condemned the alleged use of torture and called for swift and impartial investigations and accountability.
Human rights advocates also used the case to renew calls for amendments to the Criminal Procedure Code that would empower magistrates to conduct unannounced inspections of police stations and detention centres as a safeguard against abuse.
Meanwhile, grieving relatives, civil society activists, and local residents staged protests in Jaffna demanding justice, accountability, and an end to custodial violence and police brutality.
