Wife alleges police custodial beating led to death
An investigation has been launched by the Panadura Superintendent of Police following allegations that a 24-year-old father of one, RM Samitha Dilshan, died after vomiting blood upon returning home from police custody. His wife has accused Wadduwa Police of brutally assaulting him before his release.
The complaint was officially filed by Roshini Lakmali, a resident of Thalpitiya, Wadduwa, who claims her husband was subjected to severe police brutality.
According to a Panadura Hospital spokesperson, Dilshan was admitted for treatment but succumbed to his injuries. He had been arrested by Wadduwa Police in connection with a road accident the previous day, detained for several hours, and later released on police bail.
However, later that night, Dilshan began vomiting blood at home, prompting his family to rush him to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
His aunt, Samanmali Fonseka, alleged that police officers had assaulted him, causing serious injuries.
Following her husband’s death, Roshini Lakmali lodged a complaint at the Panadura Senior Superintendent of Police’s office and spoke to the media, saying:
“My husband was arrested over a road accident and sent home within a few hours. He told me the police had beaten him badly with sticks and that his chest was hurting. We took him to the hospital, and now he is dead. I am left alone with my child. Please give us justice.”
The body of the deceased has been placed at the Panadura Base Hospital for a post-mortem examination, which is expected to determine the cause of death.
In response to these allegations, Wadduwa Police issued a statement, claiming that their Crime Branch officers were on a mobile patrol when they came across two individuals on a motorcycle with visible injuries. According to the police, the two men were arrested on suspicion of fleeing after committing a crime. After being detained for several hours, they were released to their families for medical treatment.
As conflicting reports emerge, an official police investigation is underway to determine whether Dilshan’s death was caused by police brutality or other underlying factors.
