Sexual harassment: Four people, including army personnel, arrested

Four suspects, including two military personnel, were arrested for sexually harassing women in incidents in different areas.

A 35-year-old army deserter has been arrested for allegedly sexually harassing a woman journalist in Maththegoda area. According to Maththegoda police, the suspect was in a parked tricycle and had touched the woman inappropriately as she passed by the vehicle.

However, he had left the tricycle behind and hid after the woman shouted to attract the attention of people in the area but was captured by them. When questioned, the suspect claimed that he had run out of fuel and tried to escape, but was prevented from doing so and handed over to the police.

Investigations revealed that the man, who was initially deployed to Killinochchi army camp, had left the military after applying for a three-month leave and was employed as a tricycle driver for a taxi hire company. The suspect is expected to be produced before the Kesbewa Magistrate’s Court.

Meanwhile, an army sergeant was arrested for recording a video of a female student’s bare legs on a train heading to Polgahawela.

Mirigama police said the woman was on the train from Colombo to Polgahawela when the suspect arrived on a train traveling in the opposite direction and both stopped at Mirigama station. The suspect, who was on the running board of the train, had secretly filmed the woman’s bare legs, which was noticed by fellow passengers who informed the victim.

The passengers had then captured the man and handed him over to the Mirigama station master, following which the Mirigama police were informed. During this time, the suspect left his cell phone behind and fled.

After inspecting the cell phone, police visited the suspect’s residence, where the suspect’s wife informed him that he had reported for duty at Pelawatte Army Camp. The camp was informed after which the suspect was brought before the Mirigama police and arrested there. The suspect is expected to be produced for an identification parade at the Attanagalle Magistrate’s Court while Mirigama police carry out investigations.

Two youths were also arrested for filming the bare legs of a female police officer while on duty at the Chilaw police station and sharing them on social media.

The suspects reportedly reported to the Petty Crimes Unit to investigate a case and filmed the bare legs of the police officer handling their case. The suspects were arrested after the police officer filed a complaint against them over the incident. (newswire)