Six police officers arrested over alleged assault of priest

• The officers ordered a motorcyclist travelling along the Kirindiwita-Udugampola Road to stop. The motorcyclist reportedly failed to comply

By Darshana  Sanjeewa balasuriya

Six police officers from the Gampaha Division Crimes Investigation Bureau were arrested and remanded following a complaint over an alleged assault on a Catholic priest.   

Police Media Spokesperson, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) F.U. Wootler, said that the arrests were made after the priest lodged a complaint regarding the incident.   

According to reports, the incident occurred on Saturday night when the officers ordered a motorcyclist travelling along the Kirindiwita-Udugampola Road to stop. The motorcyclist reportedly failed to comply, prompting the officers to pursue and arrest him.   

During the arrest, a heated argument ensued between the priest, identified as a 33-year-old motorcyclist, and the officers. The priest subsequently admitted himself to Negombo Hospital, claiming he had been assaulted by the police officers.   

Following an investigation into the complaint, six officers suspected of involvement were taken into custody.