A police sergeant arrested in connection with the death of a suspect who died while in Kobeigane Police custody has been remanded until tomorrow (November 2), following an order issued by the Nikaweratiya Magistrate’s Court.

The order was issued after the arrested officer was produced before the court today (01).

The incident took place on October 25, when a man suspected of involvement in several thefts was apprehended by residents in the Beddhegama area of Kobeigane and handed over to the Kobeigane Police.

The suspect remained in police custody for two days before being admitted to the Nikaweratiya Hospital on October 27, where he subsequently died.

Following the death, police suspended two sergeants and a constable attached to the Kobeigane Police Station over alleged negligence of duty.

Accordingly, legal action has now been taken against four police officers who were on duty at the station in connection with the incident.

Meanwhile, five residents who initially apprehended the deceased and handed him over to police have also been arrested by Kobeigane Police following the death in custody. They are yet to be released and are scheduled to be produced before the court.

However, relatives of the arrested villagers have levelled serious allegations against police.

They claim that the residents informed police within less than an hour of apprehending the suspect and tying him to a tree, and handed him over to officers without causing him any harm.

The relatives further argue that if the suspect had sustained any injuries before being handed over, police should have arranged for him to receive medical treatment before his death.

They also claim that the deceased had previously been reported to police on several occasions over alleged thefts, and that officers had advised residents to apprehend him and hand him over to police.

Further investigations into the incident are underway.