The youth, identified as Anushka Shehan, a resident of the Thiniyawala area, was reportedly confronted by four police officers on the night of April 6th. According to eyewitnesses and the victim’s family, the officers attempted to arrest Shehan, claiming he was riding a motorcycle under the influence of alcohol.
However, Shehan denied being intoxicated and requested the officers to verify whether he had consumed alcohol. His mother alleged that despite this, the officers attempted to physically assault him. The situation escalated until local residents intervened, reportedly preventing further violence. During the confrontation, Shehan’s driving license, mobile phone, and motorcycle keys were allegedly taken by the officers.
Later, police from the Thiniyawala Police Station reportedly arrived at the scene, handcuffed Shehan, and again attempted to arrest him. Once again, the intervention of residents prevented them from taking him away, according to witnesses.
Following the incident, Shehan was admitted to Nagoda Hospital in Kalutara for treatment of injuries he sustained during the alleged assault. On the evening of April 7th, Shehan reportedly called his mother and expressed concern about three plainclothes individuals who had arrived at the hospital. He was then taken away by these officers. When his friend, who was at the hospital at the time, inquired at the Kalutara South Police Station about Shehan’s whereabouts, officers reportedly denied having taken him. Similar inquiries made at the Thiniyawala Police also yielded no information.
Subsequently, Shehan’s mother lodged a complaint with the Human Rights Commission. It was later confirmed through this complaint that Shehan was in the custody of the Mathugama Police.
