Four cops further remanded over death of housemaid in their custody

By A.J.A. Abeynayake

Four police personnel arrested over their alleged involvement in the custodial death of R. Rajakumari, a housemaid, were yesterday ordered by Colombo Additional Magistrate Harsha Kekunawala to be further remanded until 18 September.

Three of the four suspects, two police sergeants and a constable, were scheduled to be produced at an identification parade yesterday, but it was postponed by a week after the accused raised an objection in that regard.

Appearing on behalf of the aggrieved party, Attorney-at-Law Senaka Perera informed the court that as per information received by him, the OIC of the Welikada Police Station transferred from his post following Rajakumari’s death had been reinstated as the Welikada OIC once again.

That could potentially hinder the ongoing investigations into the housemaid’s death, the lawyer said.

Colombo Additional Magistrate Harsha Kekunawala did not issue an order in that regard.

41-year-old R. Rajakumari, a resident of Badulla, was arrested on May 11 based on a complaint made by her employer, film producer and businesswoman Sudharma Netticumara, she had stolen gold jewellery.

The suspect later died while in the custody of the Welikada Police. Her relatives raised suspicions, alleging that she had been assaulted.

On 25 August, Colombo Additional Magistrate Harshana Kekunawala ordered the CID to arrest the suspects linked to the housemaid’s death.