Tamil National Alliance (TNA) MP Shanakiyan Rasamanickam has demanded an independent investigation into the death of 23-year-old Sivanesharasha Rinoshan, who died while in police custody following his arrest over an alleged bicycle theft.
A resident of Sinna Uppodai in Batticaloa, Roshan was arrested by the Batticaloa Headquarters Police on December 2.
His family last saw him at the police station that evening, appearing unharmed.
However, they allege he showed signs of assault when produced in court the following day.
Rasamanickam said that Rinoshan was remanded and later transferred from prison to a hospital on December 5, where he subsequently died.
The police have attributed his death to illness, allegedly linked to the use of synthetic drugs, while the family has raised concerns of police brutality.
“This is not the first such incident in Batticaloa,” Rasamanickam said in a social media post, calling for an inquiry independent of the local police.
“When someone is arrested, the State is responsible for their life, safety, and dignity. No allegation — especially one as minor as bicycle theft — justifies a death in custody,” he said.
Rasamanickam also urged authorities to release the post-mortem report immediately to clarify the circumstances surrounding Rinoshan’s death.
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