The Sub-Inspector of Police (SI) in charge of the team that arrested the suspect involved in the incident at the Ambalangoda Police Station has been transferred from the Station with immediate effect.

A special investigation has been launched into the incident on the instructions of the Inspector General of Police (IGP), under the supervision of the Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) in charge of the Galle Division. The investigation is being conducted under the leadership of a senior Police officer serving outside the Elpitiya Police Division, to which the Ambalangoda Police Station belongs.

A video circulating on social media shows an individual behaving disruptively inside the Station, alleging that Police officers had assaulted his detained father. Providing context to the footage, the Police stated that the elderly man identified as the father in the video was arrested by Station officers on Monday night (24) while wandering on a road in an intoxicated and disorderly manner and was subsequently brought to the Station.Police further stated that the individual attempted to flee at the time of his arrest, resulting in a fall that caused the injuries and bleeding seen in the video footage. However, the individual was admitted to the Balapitiya Base Hospital on Tuesday (25) by Station officers. Following an examination by the Judicial Medical Officer, he was produced before the Balapitiya Additional Magistrate, who ordered his release on bail.Police stated that further necessary action would be taken based on the findings of the ongoing special investigation.

However, his son has given a different account of what happened. He alleged that his father was stopped about 100 metres from their home because he was unable to produce his National Identity Card (NIC). According to the son, his father offered to take the Police officers to their nearby home to produce the NIC, but was instead verbally abused and assaulted.Social media posts show that the public was supportive of the alleged unruly behaviour of the son, who allegedly caused a stir at the Station following his father’s arrest and alleged assault.Meanwhile, Police Media Spokesperson, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) and attorney F.U. Wootler said yesterday (26) that members of the public had the right to complain to senior Police officers, including the IGP, if their rights were violated or Police officers acted improperly.Speaking to The Daily Morning, Wootler said that complaints could be made to an ASP, SP, DIG, or the IGP, following which the Police would investigate the matter. However, he stressed that members of the public should not take the law into their own hands or obstruct or hinder Police duties.

“If anyone does so, the Police will definitely take action against such persons,” he said.“If the Police don’t do their job, you can make a complaint,” he said.Referring to the recent incident at the Station, Wootler said that the SP in charge of Ambalangoda had already initiated an inquiry into the incident.