17 of 28 Negombo Prison deaths caused by gunshot injuries, court told

Colombo, July 23 (Daily Mirror) - The Negombo Magistrate’s Court has been informed that 17 of the 28 deaths linked to the incident inside Negombo Prison were caused by gunshot injuries, while the remaining 11 deaths resulted from assaults involving blunt weapons.

Negombo Chief Magistrate Shilani Perera disclosed the findings in open court while announcing the results of 28 post-mortem examinations submitted by the Negombo Judicial Medical Officer.

After the findings of all 28 post-mortem examinations were presented, the Magistrate emphasized that the court would not distinguish between prison officers and inmates and that justice would be administered equally to all parties.

The Magistrate further observed that the court had identified indications that a criminal offence may have been committed. Accordingly, the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) was directed to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the incident and report its findings to the court.

Meanwhile, the Commercial Crimes Division of the CID, which is investigating the deaths of 10 Rapid Strike Force personnel and 21 inmates inside Negombo Prison, submitted a further progress report to the Negombo Magistrate’s Court.

Sub-Inspector Madhuranga of the CID’s Commercial Crimes Division informed the court that statements had so far been recorded from 969 individuals in connection with the investigation.

Those who have provided statements include 200 prison officers, 563 inmates, 130 Police Special Task Force personnel, 11 police officers and 65 civilians.

The investigating officer further informed the court that aliases used by 40 suspects had been identified during the course of the investigation.