Colombo's Additional Magistrate, Harshana Kekunawela, has ruled to extend the remand of four police officers attached to the Welikada Police Station, who stand accused of involvement in the custodial death of housemaid R. Rajakumari. The decision came after a careful review of evidence, including the post-mortem report submitted by the Judicial Medical Officer.

The case revolves around the tragic death of 41-year-old R. Rajakumari, a resident of Badulla, who was arrested on May 11, following a complaint made by her employer, the renowned producer Sudharma Nethicumara. Nethicumara alleged that Rajakumari had stolen gold jewelry belonging to her. However, suspicions arose among Rajakumari's relatives, who claimed that she had been subjected to assault during her time in custody at the Welikada Police Station.

After conducting a thorough examination, the Judicial Medical Officer determined that the cause of Rajakumari's death was hemorrhagic shock resulting from muscle damage, possibly inflicted by a blunt weapon or similar force.

Following these findings, on August 25, Additional Magistrate Harshana Kekunawela ordered the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to arrest the suspects linked to Rajakumari's untimely demise.

In the latest development, the four police officers, including a Sub-Inspector who was serving as the Acting Officer-in-Charge (OIC) of the Welikada Police Station at the time of the incident, will remain in custody until October 16, 2023.