A shocking incident of police brutality has emerged from Embilipitiya, where a 55-year-old man was subjected to severe torture by police officers.
Susil Vitaranage, a father of two from Sevanagala, Kiriwewa, Nugegala Yaya, Katuwana Yaya No. 55, was the victim of this horrific ordeal. On the 28th of this month, while working in his paddy field, Vitaranage was approached by three men in a white car who claimed to be from the Southern Province Anti-Corruption Unit. They told him they were taking him to Tangalle to record a statement.
Vitaranage was blindfolded and taken to a nearby forest in the Kumbugoda Ara area, where he was subjected to inhumane treatment. The police officers stripped him completely, tied him with chilies, applied chili juice to his lower back and lips, and beaten him with hand and a hose pipe. They then poured petrol into a shopping bag, placed it over his head, and continued the assault.
After this brutal treatment, Vitaranage was taken to Kumbugoda Ara and forced to sign two statements. Later that evening, he was left behind the Embilipitiya bus stop, where four police officers further assaulted him in front of bystanders before taking him to the police station.
On the 29th, Vitaranage’s son went to the Embilipitiya Police to inquire about his father’s whereabouts, but the police denied having detained him. Early on the morning of the 30th, Vitaranage managed to escape from police custody and reported the incident to the Hambantota Human Rights First Aid Center. Law enforcement authorities have since taken the necessary steps to refer him to the Hambantota Base Hospital for medical attention.
This incident has raised serious concerns about police conduct and human rights violations in the region.
