On August 7th , Tarut Dinal, a 16-year-old school student, was riding his father’s motorcycle after visiting a shop with his brother. Upon returning, Payagala traffic officers noticed that his brother was not wearing a helmet. The officers stopped the motorcycle and harshly reprimanded them, shouting “stop, stop.” Frightened, the student drove to a nearby house close to a temple.
According to reports, the two police officers followed the student to the location, where they allegedly punched him in the ear and kicked him with a booted foot, causing him to hit a wall. Despite the student’s pleas, stating that he was having trouble breathing and asking them to stop, one officer allegedly bent the student’s neck and kicked him again.
The officers then took both students to the police station. Subsequently, Tarut Dinal was admitted to Nagoda Teaching Hospital, where he is currently receiving treatment in the fifth ward.
In response to the incident, Sri Lanka Human Rights Commission Chairman Mr. Nimal Punchihewa has requested a report on the attack from the Payagala Police officer in charge.
