Another death in police custody (Pix Raj Weerasinghe)

The inquest of Quintus Perera (40) of Polonnaruwa who died whilst in the Police custody was carried by the Kurunegala Judicial Medical Officer on Tuesday.

Quintus Perera a restaurant manager and father of two, was arrested along with three others on Sunday by Polonnaruwa police for not selling liquor to the police on Temperance day.

Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) calling the government of Sri Lanka to conduct an inquiry "by an independent body such as a Special Investigating Unit" fears of an "attempt by the police to cover up this serious case"

Four police officers including a Sub Inspector of the Polonnaruwa police station have been interdicted already by police authorities.

AHRC says that two police officers being refused to sell liquor by Quintus Perera returned with more police officers to assault Perera and three others.

On Monday Quintus Perera was pronounced dead.

"Conduct inquiry by an independent body such as a Special Investigating Unit" Asian Human Rights Commission

Police claim that Quintus Perera was killed during a fight when his restaurant was raided by the police on suspicion of selling illicit liquor.

AHRC states "deaths in police custody have become a common occurrence in Sri Lanka where in many of these cell death cases, the people severely assaulted. "

The three others taken into custody by the police are been treated in hospital.