Authorities have launched an investigation following a complaint that a 24-year-old father of one, who was arrested by the Wadduwa Police, died after vomiting blood while returning home upon being released on police bail.
The probe is being conducted by the Panadura Superintendent of Police’s Office.
The deceased has been identified as R.M. Samitha Dilshan, a resident of Thalpitiya, Wadduwa. According to police sources, he was initially taken into custody by the Wadduwa Police in connection with a road accident and was detained for several hours before being granted bail.
It has been reported that Dilshan began vomiting blood later that night while on his way home and was subsequently hospitalized. He later passed away while receiving treatment at the Panadura Hospital.
The investigation was initiated following a complaint lodged by the deceased’s wife, Mrs. Roshini Lakmali, with the Panadura Senior Superintendent of Police’s Office.
A spokesperson for the Panadura Base Hospital confirmed that Dilshan’s body has been placed at the hospital’s mortuary, and a post-mortem examination is scheduled to determine the cause of death.
Meanwhile, the Wadduwa Police stated that the deceased and another individual were arrested on suspicion by officers from the Crime Branch during a routine patrol. The officers reportedly noticed that the two men, who were riding a motorcycle, had visible injuries, leading to their arrest on suspicion of involvement in a crime. They were held for several hours before being released into the custody of their family members for medical attention.
Following the incident, residents of Thalpitiya staged a protest on the night of the 11th, expressing their dissatisfaction over the circumstances of Dilshan’s death. The protest escalated into a tense situation, prompting the deployment of additional police officers from Bandaragama, Pinwatta, Moronthuduwa, Hirana, and other nearby police stations to restore order.
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the arrest, detention, and subsequent death of R.M. Samitha Dilshan.
