PEPILIYANA FASHION BUG ATTACK -- UPDATES 1

Suspects identified from CCTV cameras (video) prior to attack


     Because of CCTV cameras fixed in front of Fashion Bug at Pepiliyana Junction, the manner in which the mob had approached the place could be easily identified by the police.

     DIG Anura Senanayaka says that all those connected to the attack have been identified and that arrests would be made soon.

     Even when CCTV cameras were in operation, the unruly crowd had acted violently and had attempted to damage the establishment by throwing stones. When the police arrived and provided protection, 1 monk whose actions of picking up stones two or three times even when the police were watching is clearly recorded on rupavahini media cameras.

     On the assumption that a very young girl had been raped within this establishment by a Muslim youth, an organised gang had invaded the place on the night of 28th and had begun the attack. It is said that over 500 people had got together.

     Though it was an issue relating to a youth employed in a heavy vehicle establishment that was initially reported, the police now say that there had been a love affair between a boy and a girl employed at the establishment and that she had been seduced by the boy. But it is not reported that the said incident had occured within the establishment. However, it is also reported that the arrested boy was produced in courts a few days ago on the allegation that a young girl had been seduced.

     The police say that even when legal action had been taken in such a manner, an organised gang had invaded the establishment and had wanted to create a commotion after an attack on the building. The establishment had suffered damages to some lakhs and the camera of a Hiru cameraman too was damaged as a result of a stone thrown.

     Soon after this incident was informed, Minister Rauf Hakeem called for a Cabinet meeting. The 'Bodu Bala Sena' Organisation had held a meeting and said, not to credit this incident to their account.

     Even until now heavy protection is seen around the area and inquiries are being conducted under instructions of Senior DIG Anura Senanayaka and North Western Province DIG Sumith Edirisinghe.
The monk aiming stones at the CCTV camera under the eyes of the police.
Hiru video report showing the monk throwing stones at the CCTV camera.