The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) today revealed before the Negombo Magistrate’s Court that 40 CID officers have been deployed in three teams to investigate the deadly unrest at the Negombo Prison, which left three inmates dead and dozens injured.

Presenting progress of the investigation before Magistrate Shalani Perera, the CID’s Commercial Crimes Investigation Division No. I said statements have so far been recorded from 136 prison officers, 141 inmates and nine Special Task Force (STF) personnel.

Investigators told court that a total of 2,417 inmates and 166 prison staff members were inside the prison when the unrest occurred.

According to the CID, the first incident that triggered the violence took place on July 5. An inmate identified as Katuwellegama Suresh, who was being held in Ward A1, had allegedly demanded additional time for physical exercise, beyond the standard 30 minutes provided to inmates. When his request was refused, he allegedly verbally abused and threatened a prison officer.

The following day, when the ward was opened, the same inmate allegedly rushed out of his cell and attacked a group of inmates housed in Ward A2. Investigators said this assault was the initial incident that led to the wider unrest.

The CID said two inmates were killed during the initial violence, while another inmate later succumbed to injuries. A total of 36 inmates were admitted to hospital.

The court was informed that the violence subsequently spread across the prison, with inmates damaging the prison dispensary and the administration building. Prison officials had requested police assistance on the evening of July 5 after being unable to control the situation. Officers from the Negombo Police initially responded, but as the unrest escalated, 89 members of the Prison Emergency Response Tactical Unit were dispatched from prison headquarters.

Investigators further revealed that inmates had climbed onto prison rooftops during the night and were seen behaving in an organised manner.

The following morning, when prison officers entered the prison to distribute breakfast, the unrest erupted again. Some inmates had allegedly warned officers, saying, “We are waiting to attack.”

Between approximately 10.30 a.m. and 10.50 a.m., the situation escalated into a major confrontation. Members of the Prison Emergency Response Tactical Unit who entered the prison were allegedly attacked by inmates using stones, wooden poles, iron rods and other objects.

The CID said local Negombo prison officers managed to leave the prison as they were familiar with the premises, but officers who had arrived from Colombo were unable to find their way out and became trapped inside.

Investigators also told court that while part of the prison armoury had been secured before the violence intensified, another section fell into the hands of inmates during the confrontation. At one stage, a firearm was allegedly pointed at officers from inside the prison.

The STF initially responded by firing tear gas. When this failed to bring the situation under control, officers fired warning shots into the air. As the inmates continued their attack, officers then fired through an opening near the prison entrance before STF personnel entered the prison and rescued trapped officers, some of whom were found lying on the ground.

The CID further informed court that an F-58 assault rifle and one magazine had been recovered from inside the prison, together with 271 spent cartridges.

Investigators have also taken into custody all 60 firearms issued to prison officers during the incident, including 50 firearms from Negombo Prison and 10 firearms belonging to officers from Welikada Prison, for forensic examination.

The CID said CCTV digital video recorders (DVRs) seized from the prison have been produced before court and will be sent to the University of Moratuwa’s Computer Forensics Laboratory for analysis.

Investigators also informed court that a damage assessment report has been requested from the Commissioner General of Prisons.

The CID said investigations are continuing under Section 296 of the Penal Code relating to murder, as well as under the Firearms Ordinance and the Public Property Act. The Attorney General’s advice has also been sought, and suspects will be identified once investigations are completed.

After considering the submissions, Magistrate Shalani Perera ordered the Commissioner General of Prisons to submit reports relating to every inmate who was present inside Negombo Prison during the unrest.

The Magistrate also directed the CID to record statements, under the supervision of the Commissioner General of Prisons, from all inmates who have since been transferred from Negombo Prison to other prisons.

The case was postponed for further proceedings. (Newswire)

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