The Department of Prisons has refuted allegations that the female inmate who passed away yesterday was attacked by prison officials which led to her eventual death. According to Prisons Media Spokesperson, Thushara
Upuldeniya the female inmate (50) is suspected to have died after suffering a heart attack at the Welikada Prison yesterday morning. “There are rumours saying that she was attacked but they are untrue,” he said adding that the inmate was not involved in the recent incidents in prison adding that steps have now been taken to investigate the death.
However, according to sources the woman identified as ‘Mali’ had complained of severe body pains after being assaulted by prison officials during a recent protest by a group of female prisoners earlier this week.
The Judicial Medical Officer is also due to carry out an autopsy after the preliminary magisterial inquiry sources said.
Meanwhile, the Committee for Protecting the Rights of Prisoners (CPRP) has lodged a complaint with the Borella Police requesting an investigation into the incident.
The protest, the second this month, was held demanding the expediting of court cases, improvement of basic facilities and to voice their objections against mistreatment by prison officials.
A clash broke out between the female inmates and prison officials that left at least a dozen prison officials injured.
The CPRP revealed that a large number of female inmates were also left injured but not taken to hospitals in a bid to keep the actions of officials involved veiled.