Medawachchiya Magistrate Imesha Dharmadasa has directed the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to transfer all ongoing investigations from the Kebithigollewa Police Crimes Investigation Division involving two police officers accused of assaulting a 23-year-old man, resulting in severe injuries including the removal of a testicle, after a vehicle check by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).
The Magistrate also instructed the Senior Deputy Inspector General (DIG) overseeing the North Central Province to conduct a thorough investigation into the actions of the Medawachchiya Police Officer-in-Charge (OIC) regarding this incident and submit a detailed report to the Court.
An identification parade related to the assault was scheduled for yesterday, but the injured individual, currently undergoing treatment at the hospital, was unable to appear in Court.
Attorney Bhagya Herath, representing the defense, argued that since the two arresting officers have been identified through investigations, an identification parade may not be necessary.
In response, BASL Deputy President Nalinda Indatissa PC emphasized the importance of an identification parade to identify the officers involved in the assault, rather than confirming those already arrested.
Lawyers for the aggrieved party stressed the need for transparent and impartial police investigations.
The Police Sergeant and Constable, currently remanded in connection with the incident, have been ordered to remain in custody until April 24, with the Anuradhapura Prison Superintendent instructed to prepare them for an identification parade.
Notably, a group of lawyers, including Sri Lanka Bar Association President Kaushalya Navaratne PC, attended the Court as observers. Navaratne highlighted BASL's role in actively safeguarding the rule of law and citizens’ rights.
President’s Counsel requested Court permission for BASL to intervene as an observation party, emphasizing their objective of protecting citizens’ rights and the rule of law.
Horowpothana ASP S.P. Edirisinghe assured the Court of impartial and transparent investigations into the assault, with progress already made in the inquiry. Dilisha Sangeeth (23), the assaulted driver, is currently recovering at the Anuradhapura Teaching Hospital following surgery that resulted in the removal of one testicle."
