A serious incident of alleged police brutality has been reported involving officers attached to the Weerawila Police Station, where a young man was subjected to severe assault, sustained critical injuries, and was subsequently detained and charged under what are claimed to be false allegations in an apparent attempt to cover up the incident.
According to reports, the incident occurred on the night of April 11, when a group of young men from the Tissamaharama area were returning home after attending a musical event in Weerawila. They were traveling in a safari jeep when they were stopped by officers from the Weerawila Police for inspection. Police officers claimed that the driver was under the influence of alcohol, removed several individuals from the vehicle, and took the driver along with the jeep into police custody.
Concerned about their detained friend, a group of the youths later arrived at the Weerawila Police Station in another vehicle. While two of them approached the police gate to inquire about their friend, they were verbally abused and chased away by officers present at the scene.
At that moment, a police officer in civilian clothing reportedly approached the vehicle where the remaining youths were seated. The group observed that the officer appeared to be heavily intoxicated. One of the youths, identified as Sanjuka Ruhinsa from Yodakandiya, Tissamaharama, calmly questioned the officer, asking how a police officer could be under the influence of alcohol while on duty.
This remark allegedly provoked the officer, who forcibly dragged the youth out of the vehicle by his shirt and began assaulting him. Several other officers reportedly joined in the attack. One officer, in civilian attire, allegedly used a helmet to strike the victim, while another used a baton.
As a result of the assault, the victim sustained severe injuries, including multiple head wounds, a split upper lip, loosened upper teeth, and torn earlobes caused by forceful pulling. Despite being in a critical condition, requests to admit him to a hospital were reportedly denied by the police.
Instead, the victim was taken into custody and detained. It is further alleged that he was coerced into signing a statement under duress, falsely admitting to disorderly conduct.
Speaking about the incident, the victim, Sanjuka Ruhinsa, stated that the charges brought against him were fabricated in an effort to justify the actions of the officers involved.
This incident raises grave concerns regarding violations of fundamental rights. Under Article 11 of the Constitution of Sri Lanka, no person shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment. Furthermore, under the Convention Against Torture Act No. 22 of 1994, causing physical harm to a person in custody constitutes a serious criminal offense.
The primary duty of police officers is to ensure public safety and uphold the law. Consumption of alcohol while on duty is a clear violation of the Police Disciplinary Code. Moreover, the use of unlawful force by law enforcement officers represents a breach of professional ethics and accountability, and warrants immediate investigation and legal action.
This case highlights the urgent need for independent inquiry, accountability, and stronger safeguards to prevent custodial violence and ensure the protection of citizensā rights.
Reported by: Tharanga L. Patabendi