A peaceful protest was held at Gandhi Park in Batticaloa today (27), as residents and relatives of victims demanded swift justice following a series of brutal crimes in the area.
The demonstration was sparked by the murder of a woman whose body was found in a well in the Kokkadicholai Police Division on March 20, and the attempted murder of another woman who survived a similar attack.
Opposition MP Shanakiyan Rasamanickam, together with residents of Batticaloa and relatives of the victims, handed over a petition to the Chairman of the Batticaloa District Coordinating Committee, Minister Sunil Handunneththi, expressing grief and outrage and urging police to take stronger action against criminal gangs targeting women.
Police investigations have since led to the arrest of five suspects, including a woman, in connection with the incidents.
Authorities revealed that the group allegedly lured women travelling alone into a three‑wheeler, drugged them with intoxicating substances, robbed them of jewellery, and threw them into wells while unconscious.
One victim died, while another survived and was admitted to Batticaloa Teaching Hospital. In a separate case, a mother travelling with her three‑year‑old child was attacked. The child was later found abandoned but safe.
Further arrests were made after stolen jewellery was recovered, and police are probing whether the suspects were involved in other similar crimes. (Newswire)
