Probe launched after man jailed for ringing phone dies in custody

The Angunukolapelessa Police have launched an investigation following the death of a 46-year-old man who was jailed after his mobile phone rang during court proceedings.

 

The deceased, Asanka Indunil, a resident of Embilipitiya, had reportedly arrived at the Embilipitiya Magistrate’s Court on April 30 to post bail in a case related to traffic violations. He was sentenced to 14 days in custody for allegedly disrupting court decorum when his phone rang during a session.

 

According to Prisons Media Spokesperson Gamini B. Dissanayake, the inmate was initially placed in a ward for new inmates at the Angunukolapelessa Prison. Due to alleged disruptive behavior, he was transferred to the prison hospital based on medical advice and later held in isolation.

 

"Prison officers found the inmate slumped on the floor and immediately produced him before the prison doctor. On medical advice, he was admitted to the Angunukolapelessa Hospital and subsequently transferred to Hambantota Hospital for further treatment," the spokesperson said.

 

Indunil died while receiving treatment at the Hambantota Hospital. 

 

The Judicial Medical Officer’s report stated that death was the result of an assault, noting brain injuries from a blunt force impact and internal bleeding consistent with trauma to the chest.

 

Family members have accused prison officials of assault, citing post-mortem findings that point to blunt force trauma to the head and chest.

 

The Prisons spokesman said that an internal investigation has been initiated, led by the Assistant Prison Superintendent of the Weerawila Prison. 

 

He said authorities suspect that the injuries may have been inflicted by fellow inmates, allegedly in response to Indunil’s aggressive behaviour.