Narammala shooting incident and the ever-increasing police brutality

The recent tragic death of an innocent civilian at Narammala due to a gruesome shooting incident involving an irresponsible police officer, speaks volumes of police brutality that has increased many folds during the last so many years.

This is not the first time nor will it be the last, that extrajudicial killings by the police have been exposed in addition to deaths in police custody, unlawful arrests, political partiality, inaction and so on, all of which have become the hallmark of our police force, very unfortunately. Sri Lanka is listed as one of the worst countries for torture by police!

That being said, hats-off to the vigilant onlooker for his presence of mind to capture

on video the most vital and damning evidence against the gun-toting cop and his sordid comments. With the said video clip going viral, it was humanly impossible for the Narammala police or its hierarchy to concoct an episode - often the case to cover police sins - and claim that the said unexpected shooting incident took place in selfdefence by the policeman!

In fact going by the claim made by the police many a time, such as the suspect tried to pick up a gun or tried to fling a hand grenade at the police party while showing the police where he had hidden evidence, has become a standard practice and a lame excuse indeed ! One is at a loss to understand as to how a handcuffed suspect could ever plan, let alone commit either!

The Police force seems to have lost sight of its noble vision towards a peaceful environment for citizens to live with confidence and without fear of crime and violence.

The National Police Commission that is empowered to safeguard the public from the unlawful action or inaction of the police should take a fair share of the blame for not taking appropriate action against the corrupt and guilty policemen. As a result, the expected role of the commission in making the Police an efficient, responsible, and transparent public institution adhering to the rule of law is not only confined to paper but also has led to the gradual deterioration of discipline and conduct in their ranks, compounded further by rampant political influence, to say the least! M.R. Pathirage Kolonnawa