Police begin probe against cops harassing female cops, protestors

A special police investigation has been launched against the Panadura South HQI and his team after they were caught on camera physically assaulting female protestors and female cops who were on duty yesterday.

Police Spokesperson SSP Nihal Thalduwa told Daily Mirror that following the incident, a special team headed by an ASP from the Panadura Division had been appointed by the Western Province Senior DIG to probe into the harassment caught on camera.

Once the probe is completed further action will be taken, Thalduwa said.

The video showing the Panadura South HQI and his team harassing female protestors and female police officers went viral on social media yesterday, with users expressing shock and anger over the abuse.

The harassment happened in Panadura when two women, who identified themselves as the ‘mothers of the struggle’, had been marching towards Galle Face Green from Kalutara, demanding the release of activists detained under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA).

The two women were arrested by the police. (Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya)