An investigation has been launched into allegations that a man was assaulted by police officers after being taken into custody at the Ambalangoda Police Station, following the circulation of a video of the incident on social media.
The man’s son has alleged that his father was severely assaulted by police officers after being taken into custody on the night of August 24.
According to the son, his father was stopped about 100 metres from their home and taken to the police station after he was unable to produce his National Identity Card. He alleged that his father offered to take the officers to his nearby home to produce the ID but was instead verbally abused and assaulted.
The son further alleged that his father was assaulted at the police station, threatened with a firearm and prevented from receiving immediate medical treatment.
He said he went to the police station after becoming concerned when his father failed to return home and found him bleeding from injuries. The family has disputed the police claim that the man was intoxicated at the time.
Police, however, have given a different account of the incident.
According to Police, the man was arrested on the night of August 24 for allegedly being intoxicated and behaving disorderly on a road.
Police said the suspect attempted to flee while being arrested but fell, resulting in the injuries and bleeding visible in the video circulating on social media.
The man was subsequently admitted to Balapitiya Hospital on August 25 and examined by a Judicial Medical Officer, Police said. The Additional Magistrate of Balapitiya later ordered his release on bail.
Following the allegations against the officers, the Inspector General of Police has ordered a separate investigation into the incident.
Police said the investigation is being conducted under the supervision of the DIG in charge of the Galle District and is being led by a senior police officer serving outside the Elpitiya Police Division, under which the Ambalangoda Police Station operates.
The circumstances surrounding the man’s injuries and the conflicting accounts provided by his family and Police are now being examined as part of the investigation.