Chinthaka Prasad Abethunga, a scrap metal collector from Bangama, Akuressa, was reportedly arrested on November 25 while returning from work. According to his family, he was taken to the Bangama Police Station by three officers in a police jeep, with his wife later being informed that the arrest was related to a traffic case.
On the morning of November 26, around 7:30 a.m., his wife and mother visited the police station to check on him. She claims to have witnessed the Officer-in-Charge (OIC) lying on her husband’s body as he cried out in pain, complaining of chest discomfort and requesting to be taken to a hospital. Allegedly, the OIC refused, responding harshly by saying, “If he dies, I will throw him into the river,” and directed her to bring medicine instead.
Disturbed by the situation, she contacted her husband’s sister, who informed the Matara Senior Superintendent of Police about the incident. Following this, Abethunga was reportedly presented in court and released on bail by 10:00 a.m.
Abethunga alleges that during his detention, the OIC assaulted him with an iron pipe on his legs, chest, and arms around 6:30 a.m. His assistant, who was also present, was allegedly subjected to similar treatment. These claims contradict a sergeant’s statement accusing Abethunga of hitting the police jeep—a claim Abethunga denies, stating he had moved his vehicle aside to allow the jeep to pass.
Abethunga was initially admitted to Akuressa Hospital but later transferred to Matara Base Hospital for further treatment, as the medical care at the first facility was deemed insufficient.
Investigations into the incident are reportedly underway, and calls for accountability have been raised by the victim’s family.
