A suspect dies in the Negombo Remand Prison

COLOMBO (News1st): A suspect who was in the custody of the Negombo Remand Prison had died on Monday, prison officials informed court on Tuesday. The suspect had been remanded for attempting to rob a house by posing as an officera of the Criminal Investigation Department, according to prison officials. The deceased suspect, Duminda Munasinghe was a resident of Kehellla area. His remains were taken to the Negombo Prison after the magisterial inquiry. "Officers informed that Duminda had died due to epilepsy," the father of Munasinghe said adding that family members were not allowed to visit him during the weekend. The father questioned how prison officers can declare that his son died due to epilepsy, adding that his son's legs and hands were burnt. Greshan, the deceased suspect's brother, claims his brother was beaten until he bled from his nose and mouth and had bruises all over his body. He said the family was not allowed to see him due to COVID-19 concerns. A prison officer had been beaten by a brother of the deceased inmates, according to News 1st's correspondent. The prison officer was admitted to the hospital following the incident. The suspect behind the assault was taken into police custody. Meanwhile, the second suspect in the robbery case Lahiru Pradeep Madusanka was ordered to be released on a surety bail worth Rs 200,000. The two suspects who attempted to rob a house in Hapuwalana, Maradagahamula were caught and beaten by the area residents, court heard on Tuesday. The Magistrate ordered officials to investigate this incident and report facts to court. The case will be taken up again on the 6th of October.