Two suspects arrested in connection with the fatal shooting in Kotahena were killed in police custody under controversial circumstances, raising concerns over extrajudicial killings and the legality of police actions.
According to the Police Media Spokesperson SSP Buddhika Manathunga, the two individuals were arrested by Grandpass Police last night while fleeing the crime scene on a motorcycle. They were allegedly in possession of a T56 firearm, which was reportedly used in the murder of 38-year-old Shashi Kumar. The victim was shot inside a mobile phone accessories shop at Galpoththa Junction, Kotahena, around 9:00 PM on February 21. He succumbed to his injuries after being admitted to the Colombo National Hospital.
The police claim that the suspects had later provided information about additional hidden firearms, prompting officers to take them to the location for recovery. It was during this operation that the suspects allegedly attempted to snatch a firearm from the officers and open fire, leading to police shooting them in “self-defense.” The two suspects were critically injured and later pronounced dead at the Colombo National Hospital. A police constable was also injured in the incident and is currently receiving treatment.
However, this version of events has raised serious questions regarding the legality of the police’s actions. The circumstances—where suspects in custody were taken to an undisclosed location, allegedly tried to escape, and were then killed—fit a pattern commonly associated with extrajudicial executions. In many such cases, law enforcement officers have been accused of staging encounters to eliminate suspects without due legal process.
The killing of the two men while in police custody could amount to an extrajudicial execution, which is a serious violation of human rights and international law. The right to life, the presumption of innocence, and the due process of law are fundamental principles that must be upheld, even in cases involving violent crime. The incident warrants an independent investigation to determine whether excessive force was used and if the killings were unlawful.
Sri Lanka has faced criticism in the past for incidents of police brutality and extrajudicial killings, with human rights groups calling for greater accountability. This case once again underscores the need for transparent law enforcement practices and judicial oversight to prevent further violations of fundamental rights.
