Four police officers interdicted over death of a maid while in police custody

IGP recommends transfer of OIC also 

By Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya  

A Sub Inspector, two Police Sergeants and a Police Constable attached to the Welikada Police have been interdicted while another Police Constable and two Women Police Constables have been transferred over the death of a 42-year-old female domestic worker employed by tele drama producer and business personality Sudharma Nethicumara. The maid had been taken into custody over an alleged theft.  

The domestic worker had been into custody on May 11 following a complaint by Sudharma Nethicumara that a gold ring had been stolen from her residence.  

However, the female helper, a resident of Badulla, was admitted to the National Hospital in Colombo from police custody after she had complained of breathing difficulties.  
Police said the woman had died the following day while undergoing treatment.  

However, the IGP ordered the Police Special Investigation Unit to conduct an investigation into the incident due to suspicions raised by her relatives and other parties.  
Accordingly, the officers were interdicted and transferred after investigations revealed that the officers had committed acts of indiscipline in the Police Disciplinary Code.  
Also, the IGP has recommended the Secretary of the Ministry of Public Security to transfer the OIC of the Welikada Police.  

The Police Special Investigation Unit is conducting further investigations regarding the undisciplined actions committed by the police officers, and the IGP has assigned the Criminal Investigation Department to carry out further investigations regarding the crime.