Police apologize for illegal arrest

Wasantha Ramanayake

Four Police officers attached to the Avissawella Police yesterday apologized to a salesman who had complained to the Supreme Court against illegal arrest and detention. The petitioner had also sought compensation in ten million rupees.

As suggested by court the petitioner agreed to a settlement and moved to withdraw the case.

Petitioner W.M.G.L. Weerasinghe of Avissawella cited Chief Inspector Nalin Attanayake and five others as respondents.

The petitioner stated that he was arrested and detained at the Avissawella Police by the respondent officers without giving any reason. He stated that he was shown a photo of a person and asked him whether he knew the person. When he answered in the negative he was put in the cell and later produced before the Magistrate.

He stated that the Human Rights Commission had also ordered the respondents to pay the petitioner Rs. 5,000.

The Bench comprised Justice Ms. Shiranee Thilakawardane, Justice K. Sripavan and Justice Nimal Gamini Amaratunga. Prince Perera appeared for the petitioner.