The Colombo Police Headquarters had interdicted Sub Inspector Palitha Kannangara the OIC of Crime Branch of Panadura North Police with Sergeant Sumanasena on a charge of performing negligent duty when a suspect in custody escaped from the Police Jeep and died after admission to the Panadura Base Hospital on 6th June. The incident had occurred at Wattalpola Panadura on 6th June when the Policemen were on mobile duty.
The dead person, a 32-year-old father of two children of Wattalpola Panadura was taken into custody by the Mobile Police Party led by Sub Inspector and Sgt Sumanasena of Panadura North Police.
While he was being taken to the police Station he suddenly jumped off from the jeep. He sustained critical injuries and was admitted to the hospital where he died. SSP Samantha Wedage of Panadura Police Division was informed and an inquiry was initiated.
On 7th June the Panadura North Police submitting a preliminary report to the Panadura Additional Magistrate Sought an order to perform the autopsy on the dead person by the Panadura Base Hospital AJMO Dr Uthpala Attigla and hold a magisterial inquiry.
The relatives of the deceased had appealed to the Inspector General of Police to conduct a comprehensive inquiry regarding the death.