The Colombo High Court has fixed 21 July 2025 for the pre-trial conference in the case filed against three police officers attached to the Welikada Police over the custodial death of a domestic aide employed at teledrama producer Sudharma Nethicumara’s house in 2023.
The case was taken up today before High Court Judge R.S.S. Sapuwida. During proceedings, defence counsel informed the court that some case documents had not been received. The judge instructed the State Counsel to ensure all relevant materials are provided to the defence and scheduled the pre-trial accordingly.
The victim, 41-year-old R. Rajakumari of Badulla, was arrested on 11 May 2023 following a complaint by her employer, Sudharma Nethicumara, over alleged jewellery theft. Rajakumari later died while in police custody at Welikada, prompting serious concerns from her family over possible assault.
In the aftermath, disciplinary action was taken against seven police officers. A Sub-Inspector, two Sergeants, and a Constable were interdicted, while another Constable and two Women Police Constables were transferred pending investigations.
