Japanese police have reportedly not accepted a complaint filed over the mystery death of the Sri Lankan student who died while being held in police custody at the Tsuchiura Police Station in Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan, according to media reports.The victim’s sister, Sathyani Shakya, who currently resides in Japan, had attempted to lodge the complaint regarding the incident.

The incident relates to the death of a 22-year-old student, Wichakshana, from Mahahilla in Beliatta, Hambantota District, who had been in Japan since 2023 for a technical course.Japanese media reported that he was residing in Toride city at the time of his death.

He allegedly died on May 19 while in custody at Tsuchiura Police Station, where he had been detained since Feb. 22.On February 22, the deceased student had travelled to Tsuchiura city with several friends to purchase essential items.It is reported that while at a shop in the city, the owner lodged a complaint with the police alleging that Wichakshana and another young woman had stolen goods from the premises.Following the complaint, they were arrested by the Tsuchiura Police.

Tsuchiura Police had reportedly informed his sister about the arrest, and she subsequently visited the station to assist her brother.With legal assistance provided through the Sri Lankan Embassy, arrangements were made for legal proceedings, which were coordinated by the sister.According to her, there were no significant issues during the first one to two weeks of detention, although the case was repeatedly adjourned due to insufficient evidence.She also stated that she visited her brother regularly during his detention.

“He repeatedly told me, ‘Please tell the lawyer to resolve this. I am not guilty,” she said.As weeks turned into months, no bail was granted, and his health reportedly deteriorated during the prolonged custody period.“He told me his head and chest were aching,” she said.When she had urged him to tell the police of his illness, he had reportedly responded, “They don’t pay attention. How many times have I told them?” On May 19, she was informed by police that he had died while in custody after more than 03 months of detention.

The remains of the student have not yet been sent to Sri Lanka and are reportedly being kept in a morgue in Japan.