Two soldiers, two Airmen arrested over Kandakadu inmate’s death

Two Sergeant grade officers of the Sri Lanka Army and Sri Lanka Air Force were arrested in connection with the death of an inmate at the Kandakadu Rehabilitation Centre.

Tensions flared up at the Centre on June 29 following the death of an inmate and more than 500 had escaped during the melee.

Police said the Welikanda Police initiated investigations over the inmate's death which took place under mysterious circumstances within the Centre.

They said statements were recorded from the inmates and counselors of the Centre over the incident.

Accordingly, four suspects, a 35-year-old Air Force Sergeant resident of Kottapitiya area, another 36-year-old Air Force Sergeant, a resident of Nawalapitiya, a 37-year-old Army Sergeant resident of Harigaswewa and another 39-year-old Army Staff Sergeant from Galnewa - all of them worked as assistant counselors at the Kandakadu Rehabilitation Centre, were arrested over the death.

Based on the statements of the suspects, the police have found a thick electric cable and two bamboo sticks, which were suspected to have been used to attack the deceased.

The arrested suspects to be produced before the Polonnaruwa Magistrate.

Meanwhile, police said 679 inmates who had escaped from the Kandakadu Rehabilitation Centre had been arrested and remanded.

It was revealed that 998 inmates were held in the Centre and operations are underway to arrest the 44 who are still at large. (Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya)