An initial protest started by the inmates to escape from getting infected from COVID-19 at Mahara Prison had taken a violent turn as members of certain underworld gangs who had sought revenge from each other, the fivemember committee appointed to probe the mayhem had revealed.

The report which was tabled by Justice Minister Ali Sabry in Parliament said a protest held by the inmates had taken a violent turn as some gang leaders have sought to take revenge from each other.at the same time, the report had revealed that the protest started by the inmates became tense as they sought speedy redress for issues including congestion.

The report had revealed that none of the inmates had firearms with them. “only the officers and those who came to quell the situation possessed firearms,” the report added. However, the report has revealed that the committee had observed that there were wooden clubs, iron rods, and stones near the gate. Some of the inmates have informed the committee members that they stole several kinds of pills and had consumed them.

It further revealed that the inmates have burnt important documents which were in the prison complex.all buildings at the complex except for the area where remand prisoners are kept have been burnt to ashes.

The committee had recommended the separation of those who had been found COVID-19 positive and to send others on self-quarantine to their respective homes. (YOHAN PERERA AND AJITH SIRIWARDANA)