Negombo Prison CCTV DVRs sent to University of Moratuwa for forensic analysis

Two digital video recorder (DVR) hard drives containing CCTV footage from Negombo Prison have been sent to the University of Moratuwa’s Computer Forensics Laboratory for analysis as part of the ongoing investigation into the recent prison unrest, the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) informed court on Thursday (16). The update was provided when the case was taken up before Negombo Chief Magistrate Shilani Perera. The CID submitted a further progress report outlining the latest developments in the investigation. Investigators told the court that the DVR hard drives, taken into CID custody, were referred to the University of Moratuwa under a court order to obtain a forensic report. The CID also informed the court that the Survey Department had mapped the Negombo Prison premises, the scene of the incident, using drone technology. Investigators further sought court approval to send blood samples and clothing belonging to one of the deceased inmates to the Government Analyst for examination and a forensic report. The court also recorded evidence for the magistrate’s inquests into the deaths of three inmates who died during the unrest. Relatives of the deceased gave evidence regarding the identification and burial of the victims. In addition, investigators submitted preliminary post-mortem reports relating to an inmate and two prison officers who later died while receiving treatment at the National Hospital in Colombo. The Magistrate postponed the case until July 23 for further evidence in the death inquiries and to receive another progress report on the investigation. (Newswire)