A 26-year-old man, identified as Muthuwadige Sathsara Nimesh from Meegahakiwula, Badulla, has died while in police custody at the Welikada Police Station, raising serious concerns about alleged custodial torture.
According to police reports, Nimesh was arrested on the night of April 1st in response to a complaint about a house break-in in the Nawala area. Officers noted that he appeared to suffer from a mental disorder and was taken into custody for his safety. While in the police cell, Nimesh reportedly behaved violently, banging his body against the walls. On the morning of April 2nd, he was transferred to the National Institute of Mental Health in Mulleriyawa, where he subsequently passed away.
Nimesh’s mother, who visited the Welikada Police Station on April 2nd, discovered that her son’s clothing had been removed, with his trousers found discarded in a nearby trash can. Upon inquiry, officers reportedly informed her that her son had attempted suicide.
The Committee for Protecting the Rights of Prisoners (CPRP) has urged the Acting Inspector General of Police to conduct an immediate and transparent investigation into Nimesh’s death. The organization has also demanded legal action against those found responsible.
A senior police officer stated that an Assistant Superintendent of Police is leading the investigation. Statements have been recorded from 12 individuals who were present in the police cell at the time of the incident, as well as from two external witnesses. A post-mortem examination was conducted by the Colombo Judicial Medical Officer, who has issued an open verdict regarding the cause of death.
This incident has once again highlighted concerns over police accountability and human rights violations in Sri Lanka. Activists are calling for urgent reforms to prevent further custodial deaths.