A prison officer who bravely stepped forward to rescue his colleagues during a violent unrest at the Negombo Prison has been subjected to continuous death threats from the underworld, according to local reports. The threats, many of which are reportedly originating from overseas, including Dubai, have sparked concerns over the safety of the officer who acted decisively to control a highly volatile hostage situation.
During the riot, a group of inmates had taken several prison officers hostage and were inflicting brutal physical assaults on them. The officer in question had breached the barricaded gates where the inmates were holding his colleagues, used a firearm to disperse the crowd, and successfully blocked the escaping prisoners. His quick actions allowed special forces and other authorities to enter the premises, secure the area, and rush the severely injured, bleeding officers to the hospital.
The visual evidence from the aftermath of the riot indicates a highly inhumane attack, with deceased and injured officers suffering severe head trauma from iron bars. Demands have grown within the department to provide immediate and adequate security to this officer, who risked his life to protect the reputation of the Department of Prisons and save his fellow staff members.
Meanwhile, prison authorities have vowed that there will be no leniency for those responsible for instigating the violence. The masterminds behind the prison clash have been identified as notable underworld figures, including "Katullagama Suresh" and "Negombo Rocky," alongside a gang of 13 others.
