Twenty eight prison inmates of Batticaloa Prison climbed onto the roof of the prison and began a protest yesterday afternoon demanding a probe over the mysterious death of an inmate.

They have engaged in the protest after the death of another inmate who has been taken to Batticaloa Hospital, when he fell sick around 7.30 a.m. on Saturday he had died around 9.00 a.m. the same morning in the hospital Insensitive Care Unit.

The number of inmates on protest had increased up to 28 by the evening.

Protesters are said to be those convicted for drugs and cannabis related offenses.

The deceased inmate had been identified as Jamaldeen Mohamadu Najeem (28), a resident of Pola Road, Eravur who had been sentenced for failing to pay maintenance.

Batticaloa Police has commenced an inquiry. (Vasantha Chandrapala and Jauffer Khan)