Batticaloa social activist E. Premnath has condemned the actions of Sri Lankan police officers after he was arrested without a warrant at his workplace and subjected to physical and mental abuse, an incident he says has caused significant mental distress.
Speaking at a press conference at the Batticaloa Press Club, Premnath detailed how his arrest unfolded earlier this month.
According to his account, on 4 June, two police officers, one in uniform and one in civilian clothing, arrived at his workplace. While initially engaging him in conversation, they suddenly grabbed his hand and told him that an arrest warrant had been issued and that he was under arrest.
He was immediately handcuffed. Despite his calls for an arrest warrant to be produced, they neither showed one nor produced any such document.
He was left handcuffed on the roadside for nearly an hour before being taken to the occupying Eravur police station. The following morning, he was brought before the Batticaloa Magistrate’s Court.
At court, though he asked why he had been arrested, yet still official documentation was presented, Premnath said. He was later released without charge and without being provided with any formal legal papers.
Premnath also alleged that while in custody, he was assaulted by prison officers.
He described how he was dragged from behind and beaten, adding further injustice to what he had already suffered, Premnath said.
The incident is the latest in which Tamil activists, journalists and community members have long faced harassment and arbitrary detention by the occupying Sri Lankan police force.
