The Sri Lankan Police has declared Sri Lankan batsman Danushka Gunathilaka innocent against any allegations of rape levelled against his name. The Police officers investigating the case has said that there won’t be any further investigation against the Sri Lankan player and the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) is free to investigate this matter further.

The officer-in-charge of Kollupitiya Police Station, who is looking into the matter said, “We are not holding any further inquiries against this cricketer. SLC is free to investigate him for breaching the ‘Player Code of Conduct.”

Earlier, the 27-year-old all-rounder suspended by the SLC, as allegations of rape were levelled against him and his friend who was staying in the team hotel.

A Norwegian girl, staying in the same hotel as Sri Lankan team was, had levelled charges of rape. Following which, the police had arrested and remanded his friend who was also staying in the same hotel as Danushka Gunathilaka. The police official further said that his friend is a club cricketer in England and was in Sri Lanka to meet his father. “It is a non-bailable offence,” the OIC said.

It is reportedly said that the cricketer is a club batsman in England and plays for Kensington and Chelsea Cricket Club. It was because of him being friends with Danushka Gunathilaka; the Sri Lankan cricketer came into the fray.

The Sri Lankan all-rounder was anyway walking on a tightrope as he was suspended for six matches for disciplinary issues last year. Also, the night of the incident, i.e. July 21, the player had reportedly breached his curfew too. The SLC is said to carry out an independent inquiry into the matter and had mentioned that Danushka Gunathilaka would be suspended after the conclusion of the second Test match against South Africa.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 24, 2018 09:03 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).