Protest against death of youth in police custody

Relatives and residents gathered to protest the death of 29-year-old Ishara Harsha Kumara, who was arrested by Homagama Police during a drug-related operation. Allegations surfaced that Kumara had been brutally assaulted while in police custody. Kumara, a father of one, was taken into custody on suspicion of possessing narcotics.

Upon his arrest, Kumara's relatives reported severe injuries, claiming they had witnessed police officers carrying his lifeless body out of the Homagama Police Station. They also alleged that Kumara was not transferred to the Homagama Base Hospital until they repeatedly demanded medical assistance.

Tensions escalated at the hospital as relatives demanded justice. Police claimed that the death did not result from an assault and instead stated that Kumara had suddenly fallen ill while in custody, eventually dying after being admitted to the hospital.

A preliminary investigation into Kumara's death has been initiated by the Homagama Assistant Superintendent of Police. The Homagama Magistrate’s Court ordered a post-mortem examination to determine the cause of death. Additionally, Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala directed the Inspector General of Police to carry out a prompt and independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding Kumara's death.