Police assault case takes twist during cross-examination

An alleged assault case filed against four policemen took a twist during the cross-examination at a trial as the complainant himself admitted that in fact, he had also held a police officer against a tree during an altercation.

In this case, it was alleged that four policemen had assaulted a former coordinating secretary to the Finance Ministry during a traffic accident. 

According to the prosecution, the Police had collided with the Complainant's vehicle driving on the wrong side of the road. However, the four suspects-police officers denied the allegation and they were of the view that it was the complainant who assaulted the police.

During the cross-examination, before the Colombo Chief Magistrate, when Senior Counsel Ian Fernando questioned the Complainant it was revealed that the complainant had also held a police officer against a tree and had restrained him till the police arrive at the scene. 

Further magisterial inquiry fixed for March 20. Senior Counsel Ian Fernando with Counsel Hasitha Sanjeewa appeared for the suspects.(Lakmal Sooriyagoda)