Sumith’s death:

Investigation handed over to CID

by Dhaneshi Yatawara

The investigation on the death of Sumith Prasanna in a fall from the top floor of a building in Embilipitiya has been handed over to the Criminal Investigation Department by the Inspector General of Police.

Earlier, the wife and close relatives of Sumith Prasanna called upon the Attorney General’s Department to take over investigations. The family has forwarded a written request to the Attorney General (acting) Suhada Gamlath

Shashika Nishamani, the young widow of Sumith Prasanna, said she and the family members were dissatisfied with the police investigations conducted so far. According to Shashika their attempts to inform the Police on all evidence by witnesses failed, as the police allegedly ignored to take note of the facts during the preliminary investigations.

“There are other witnesses who saw Prasanna being pushed down the building by the Police but are scared to come forward as the alleged wrongdoers are still at large,” said Shashika. She alleged that the police had ignored recording crucial evidence from eye witnesses.

Shashika appeared before the Police Commission on Friday last week made a written n complaint to the Commission on the death of her husband. “The Commission accepted the complaint and assured speedy action,” she said.

The Sri Lanka Human Rights Commission (SLHRC) had summoned four police officers who did not appear for the inquiry last week including the former Assistant Superintendent of Police and former HQI of the Embilipitiya police.

According to the SLHRC Commissioner, attorney-at-law Saliya Peiris these police officers attached to the Embilipitiya police were present at the location where Sumith Prasanna died. “The officers who did not appear due to various reasons will be summoned again on January 27,” he said.

Attorney General’s Department sources said the Police should have used the existing mechanism to investigate cases involving policemen.

The Special Investigation Unit at Police Headquarters was set up to probe cases involving police officers.

A legal expert, who wished to remain anonymous said that as an independent body, the Police Commission needs to be more vigilant and take prompt action.

“When action is delayed, it causes social unrest. People want justice at the right time,” he said.