The Headquarters Inspector (HQI) of Homagama Police has been suspended from duty in connection with the death of a young man while in police custody.

The suspension follows a directive issued by the Minister of Public Security to the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to conduct an independent investigation into the incident.

Earlier, three other officers attached to Homagama Police were suspended over the same incident, including the Officer-in-Charge (OIC) of the Criminal Investigation Branch, a Sub-Inspector serving as the OIC of the Anti-Corruption Raids Unit, and a Police Sergeant.

Meanwhile, the OIC of the Criminal Investigation Branch of Homagama Police was arrested yesterday (28) in connection with the death.

The deceased, identified as Ishara Harsha Kumara, died on October 25 after being arrested by Homagama Police on allegations of possessing 490 milligrams of narcotics.

Relatives of the deceased have alleged that he died following an assault by police officers while in custody.

Meanwhile, following the post-mortem examination, samples taken from the body have been referred to the Government Analyst for further examination as part of the ongoing investigation.