Protesters take to the streets claiming Ratnapura child molestation suspect was not arrested
A suspect wanted in connection with molesting a child in Rakwana, Ratnapura recently, has been remanded until July 30.
However, protests were held in several areas on July 22 claiming that the suspect had not been arrested.
Protests were organised in Rakwana, Hatton, Deniyaya, Maskeliya, Bogawanthalawa and Norwood.
Estate workers in these areas had also stayed away from work in protest.
A demonstration was held in the Rakwana town centre on July 22 morning.
Our reporter says the main street in the Rakwana town was blocked as a result of the protest.
The protest also disrupted the flow of traffic on the Rakwana-Ratnapura, Rakwana – Kalawana and Rakwana – Deniyaya roads.
A protester expressed following view:
“The Rakwana Police have not taken any legal action as yet. Even though they have said they will, they have done nothing.”
K. Ramachandran, Ceylon Workers Congress councillor of the Sabaragamuwa Provincial Council, who visited the scene, also faced public protest.
Police Special Task Force Personnel were deployed to the Rakwana town in addition to the police to beef up security.
Tensions flared when officers at the scene informed the protesters that the suspected child molester had been produced in court.
UPFA Parliamentarian Ranith de Zoysa had this to say:
“The ASP came yesterday and asked for 24 hours. He said they would arrest the criminal within 24 hours. The man was arrested at the Kahawaththa Police at 8:30 this morning.”
The protesters dispersed in the evening on July 22.
Another demonstration to protest this incident was held blocking the Hatton-Bagawanthalawa main road. The group later arrived at the police station and staged a demonstration there.
A protest was also held outside the Norwood Police station. The group later arrived at the Norwood junction where they protested for about two hours, blocking the Hatton-Maskeliya and Hatton-Bagawanthalawa roads.
A demonstration was also held at the Mallliappu junction in Hatton to protest the incident.
The post Protesters take to the streets claiming Ratnapura child molestation suspect was not arrested appeared first on Sri Lanka News - Newsfirst | News1st | newsfirst.lk | Breaking.
