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Probe ordered into death by hanging inside police cell
View(s):The police have re-opened a probe into the death of a suspect found hanging inside the cell at Baddegama police station earlier this month, a senior police official said yesterday. The fresh probe was initiated on an order by Baddegama Additional Magistrate Wimalaratana Mahapalagama, following a plaint filed by the victim’s mother Kariyawasam Pathirige Gimara, that she suspected foul play in the entire incident.
The victim, Gamini Karunaratne 47, from Borulugoda Baddegama, and a bachelor were taken into custody by the Baddegama police, in connection with a domestic dispute with a relative. The victim was later found hanging from the roof of the police cell. He is alleged to have used his sarong for the noose.
However, the claim was disputed by Counsel for the plaintiff, because the victim has only three fingers-making it difficult for him to tie a noose. Additional Magistrate Mahapalagama later ordered Senior Superintendent (SSP) Athula Weerasinghe of the Elpitiya Police Division to conduct a fresh probe and submit a report within two weeks.
SSP Weerasinghe said that a probe is currently under way and that a report will be submitted as ordered by the court. He added that the victim was a known criminal allegedly involved in the killing of two women besides other criminal activities.
He added that several of those present at the police station at the time of the incident, will be questioned and their statements recorded. “This will include police officers who were on duty at that time,” SSP Weerasinghe added.
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