The Colombo Magistrate’s Court has ordered that the evidentiary hearing into the controversial death of 26-year-old Sathsara Nimesh, who allegedly died after being assaulted while in police custody, commence on May 16.
The directive was issued today by Colombo Additional Magistrate Manjula Ratnayake, following a formal request from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), which is currently conducting investigations into the incident.
According to submissions made by CID officials, Nimesh’s body was exhumed on April 23 in accordance with a court order, and a three-member medical board conducted a fresh post-mortem examination. A preliminary report on the findings is expected to be submitted to the court shortly.
During the hearing, the CID also informed the court that biological samples from the body had been forwarded to the Chief Forensic Medical Officer for detailed forensic analysis. As part of the ongoing inquiry, the CID anticipates that 22 witnesses will be called to testify. The court has ordered that summons be issued to five of those witnesses to appear in court on May 16.
The death of Sathsara Nimesh has drawn significant public attention and criticism, with allegations that he was beaten while in the custody of the Welikada Police. Nimesh was initially arrested on April 1 in Nawala and later transferred to the National Institute of Mental Health in Angoda, where he reportedly died the next day. The initial post-mortem did not determine a clear cause of death, prompting the court to order an exhumation.
In response to growing pressure, the Officer-in-Charge of the Welikada Police was removed from duty, while a sergeant and constable were suspended for alleged negligence.The CID has also launched a broader investigation, including reviewing CCTV footage, collecting further witness testimonies, and analyzing forensic evidence to determine the exact circumstances leading to Nimesh’s death.
The next court session on May 16 is expected to play a pivotal role in uncovering the truth and ensuring justice in a case that has stirred public concern over alleged police misconduct.
