Police says they investigating the alleged assault of an autistic 14 year old boy at Aluthgama, last month during curfew.
Police spokesman said they are waiting for the medical reports of the boy after being presented for a medical examination.
The assault of a 14 year old autistic boy from Aluthgama on 25 May has caused outrage and calls for justice on social media.
CCTV footage on the incident shared on Twitter, shows the boy being dragged across the road, assaulted by policemen and some bystanders, close to a Police checkpoint.
Following the revelation of the incident, Politicians and Sports Stars have called out for justice for the affected teenager.
Absolutely disgusting act. It has to be investigated and prompt action taken against the perpetrators. Any and all such acts cannot be permitted or tolerated.#standagainstabuse #justicefortharique https://t.co/rAxGwnqDF7
— Kumar Sangakkara (@KumarSanga2) June 4, 2020
I strongly condemn those involved in the abuse of #ThariqAhamed & support a full inquiry into the matter. It's sad that the excellent work done by @SriLankaPolice2 during the #COVID19SL pandemic is now questioned after this. #SriLanka #lka #JusticeForThariq
— Namal Rajapaksa (@RajapaksaNamal) June 4, 2020
I visited #ThariqAhamad, differently abled, 14 yrs old boy from Alutgama, who was harassed by few police officers on 25th May. This is disgrace to the #SLPolice who's praiseworthy in #COVID19 battle. I urge president @GotabayaR to call an urgent inquiry & bring #JusticeForThariq pic.twitter.com/uXgSj9hSEa
— Dr.Nalinda Jayatissa (@nalindasl) June 4, 2020
Just visited Thariq in Aluthgama. It’s a real shame that a child w. special needs had to experience such trauma & police brutality.
Despite it all, Thariq was exceptionally cheerful- a testament to his innocence. It truly was a pleasure to spend time with him. #JusticeForThariq pic.twitter.com/3UfCw7NWTR
— Ali Zahir Moulana (@alizmoulana) June 4, 2020
As former VP of Nat Council for Mental Health (Sahanaya) I know there is very little understanding of mental health in #SriLanka. Add to that police brutality that is commonplace. And as mentioned by you racial prejudice by Nagoda JMO; poor kid had no chance. #JusticeForThariq https://t.co/Cw3KUS1Jj4
— Harsha de Silva (@HarshadeSilvaMP) June 4, 2020