Dear Friends,
The Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) has received information regarding the illegal arrest and detention of Mr. Elibichchi Rajapaksha Appuhamilage Vajira Sampath Rajapaksha, a resident in Kuliyapitiya Police Division, on 23 September 2017. The next morning he was produced before the Kuliyapitiya Magistrate’s Court with fabricated charges. The victim pleaded his innocence, and requested the higher authorities to investigate the violation of his rights.
CASE NARRATIVE:
On 23 September 2017, Mr. Elibichchi Rajapaksha Appuhamilage Vajira Sampath Rajapaksha (28), of Wahumuwa, Kirindawa, Kuliyapitiya in Kuliyapitiya Police Division in the Kurunegala District was at his home with his mother after coming from his paddy field. He observed several police officers arriving at his house. The officers demanded the victim to come out of the house and started to beat him in front of his mother and several other neighbours. Later, he was handcuffed by the officers.
The officers then left the house without taking Vajira with them. After several hours, Vajira himself arrived at the Kuliyapitiya Police Station and requested the officers to release his hands. At this time he was detained in a cell. When Vajira asked for the reason of his arrest, torture and detention, the officers did not respond. The next morning he was produced before the Kuliyapitiya Magistrate Court, which released him.
Although Vajira has asked for an investigation into his illegal arrest and detention, nothing has been done so far.
Suggested Action:
Please send letters to the authorities listed below expressing your concern about this case. Request an immediate investigation into Vajira’s illegal arrest and detention, and the false charges he was produced in court with. Those found responsible must be prosecuted according to the law. The officers involved must be subject to an internal investigation for breach of Police Departmental Orders. Please request the National Police Commission (NPC) and the Inspector General of Police (IGP)to open a special investigation into the malpractices of Police Officers who abuse their powers.
To support this case, please click here: SEND APPEAL LETTER
SAMPLE LETTER
Dear _______
SRI LANKA: Innocent man illegally arrested by Kuliyapitiya Police
Name of Victim:Mr. Vajira Kumara (28) of Wahumuwa, Kuliyapitiya in Kuliyapitiya Police Division in the Kurunegala District
Alleged perpetrators: Several Police Officers attached to the Kuliyapitiya Police Station
Date of incident: 23 September 2017
Place of incident: Kuliyapitiya Police Division
According to information I have received, Mr. Elibichchi Rajapaksha Appuhamilage Vajira Sampath Rajapaksha (28), of Wahumuwa, Kirindawa, Kuliyapitiya in Kuliyapitiya Police Division in the Kurunegala District was at his home with his mother after coming from his paddy field. He observed several police officers arriving at his house. The officers demanded the victim to come out of the house and started to beat him in front of his mother and several other neighbours. Later, he was handcuffed by the officers.
The officers then left the house without taking Vajira with them. After several hours, Vajira himself arrived at the Kuliyapitiya Police Station and requested the officers to release his hands. At this time he was detained in a cell. When Vajira asked for the reason of his arrest, torture and detention, the officers did not respond. The next morning he was produced before the Kuliyapitiya Magistrate Court, which released him.
Although Vajira has asked for an investigation into his illegal arrest and detention, nothing has been done so far.
I request the intervention of your good offices to ensure that an immediate investigation into Vajira’s illegal arrest and detention, and the false charges he was produced in court with is conducted. Those found responsible must be prosecuted according to the law. The officers involved must be subject to an internal investigation for breach of Police Departmental Orders.
Yours sincerely,
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PLEASE SEND YOUR LETTERS TO:
1. Mr. PujithJayasundara
Inspector General of Police
New Secretariat
Colombo 1
SRI LANKA
Fax: +94 11 2 440440 / 327877
E-mail: igp@police.lk
2. Mr. Jayantha Jayasooriya PC
Attorney General
Attorney General’s Department
Colombo 12
SRI LANKA
Fax: +94 11 2 436421
E-mail: ag@attorneygeneral.gov.lk
3. Secretary
National Police Commission
3rd Floor, Rotunda Towers
109 Galle Road
Colombo 03
SRI LANKA
Tel: +94 11 2 395310
Fax: +94 11 2 395867
E-mail: npcgen@sltnet.lk or polcom@sltnet.lk
4. Secretary
Human Rights Commission
No. 36, Kynsey Road
Colombo 8
SRI LANKA
Tel: +94 11 2 694 925 / 673 806
Fax: +94 11 2 694 924 / 696 470
E-mail: sechrc@sltnet.lk
Thank you.
Urgent Appeals Programme
Asian Human Rights Commission (ua@ahrc.asia)
