24 More Suspects Named in Negombo Prison Deaths Investigation

COLOMBO: A further 24 suspects have been named in connection with the investigation into the deaths of 32 inmates during the Negombo Prison unrest, following an order issued by the Negombo Chief Magistrate’s Court.

Negombo Chief Magistrate Shilani Perera granted permission for the additional suspects to be named after considering a request made by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).

All 24 newly identified suspects were inmates who were inside the Negombo Prison when the incident occurred.

Prior to the latest court proceedings, 38 suspects had already been named in connection with the case.

With the addition of the 24 suspects, the total number of individuals named in the investigation has now increased to 62.

The Chief Magistrate ordered that the newly named suspects be produced before court during the day.

Identification parade postponed

The suspects were initially scheduled to participate in an identification parade. However, the Magistrate ordered that the identification proceedings be postponed until August 21.

The court was informed that several officers expected to appear as witnesses in the case remain hospitalized after sustaining injuries during the prison unrest.

The Magistrate subsequently ordered that the suspects produced before court today be remanded until August 21.

The 24 newly named suspects were also ordered to be included in the ongoing case proceedings and produced before court on the same date.

Suspect identities withheld

For security reasons, the names of the suspects were not disclosed in open court.

Instead, CID officers handed over the list of suspects and the relevant B Report directly to the Magistrate.

The investigation into the deaths and events surrounding the Negombo Prison unrest is continuing, with authorities examining the involvement of inmates and other circumstances surrounding the incident.

Read more articles like this on www.srilankanpost.com