Unrest at Mahara Prison brought under control

The unrest that erupted at Mahara Prison has now been brought under control, according to reports.

The disturbance broke out at the prison yesterday afternoon (1) following a confrontation between inmates and prison officers.

Seven inmates were injured in the incident and admitted to the Ragama Teaching Hospital, where one of them later died.

The Special Task Force (STF), Sri Lanka Army and Police were deployed to bring the situation under control.

The Sri Lanka Air Force also deployed a Bell 412 helicopter and a drone to monitor the unrest.

It was reported yesterday that inmates had set fire to the office of the prison’s Chief Jailer and the disciplinary section.

Meanwhile, relatives who arrived at Mahara Prison yesterday afternoon to visit inmates were not permitted to enter the prison premises.

As a result, relatives gathered outside the prison, leading to a tense situation between them and the Police. However, the Police subsequently brought the situation under control.

In view of the prevailing situation, the Police also imposed a curfew in several police areas in Mahara until further notice.

Accordingly, the police curfew was imposed in the Grama Niladhari Divisions of 246/Kendaliyaddapaluwa West, 246/C Kendaliyaddapaluwa North and 181/G Dambuwa.

Meanwhile, Defence Secretary Sampath Thuyacontha and newly appointed Army Commander Lieutenant General Nilantha Premaratne visited the Mahara Prison premises last night to assess the situation following the unrest.

Commenting on the incident, Minister of Justice, Attorney-at-Law Harshana Nanayakkara, said those injured in the unrest were receiving treatment and that he had held discussions with Minister Ananda Wijepala, the Defence Secretary and the Inspector General of Police. He said measures had been taken to provide the necessary security at Mahara Prison.

The Minister further said that a fire had been set inside the prison and that steps had been taken to bring the situation under control.

மேலும் படிக்க »

இந்த செய்தியைப் பற்றிய கருத்தை பதிவு செய்யுங்கள். மேலும் இந்த செய்தியை உங்கள் நண்பர்களுடன் பகிர்ந்து கொள்ளுங்கள்.