University Student’s Shout Leads to Arrest on Sexual Harassment

A broker was caught and handed over to the police after attempting to flee a bus when a university student shouted for help. The incident took place in Colombo, where a female student from the University of Aesthetic Studies was traveling by bus when she noticed the suspect recording a video of her with his mobile phone.

According to the Kurunduwatta Police, the suspect, upon realizing he had been caught, attempted to erase the footage and escape. However, the victim's loud cry alerted nearby passengers, who quickly intervened and restrained him until the police arrived.

Investigation Uncovers Disturbing Content

Upon examining the suspect’s mobile phone, authorities discovered more than 30 explicit videos of other young women. This confirms that the individual had been engaging in similar misconduct previously.

The incident occurred on bus route No. 177 (Kaduwela-Kollupitiya), as the victim was on her way to university. Reports indicate that the suspect deliberately positioned himself near the student, despite the availability of vacant seats. He stood close to her seat, holding his phone near the overhead luggage rack while secretly recording her.

The student grew suspicious of his behavior, especially as they approached the Nelum Kuluna area. Upon closer observation, she noticed the suspect’s phone actively recording above her seat. Realizing what was happening, she immediately alerted the bus driver. At that moment, the suspect hurriedly attempted to delete the recorded content and escape from the bus.

Public Assistance Leads to Arrest

As soon as the suspect exited the bus, the student ran after him, shouting for help. Passersby in the area quickly responded, restraining the suspect and notifying the police via the emergency hotline 119. The Kurunduwatta Police soon arrived and took him into custody.

Further investigations revealed that the suspect had already deleted the footage of the victim but had stored several other illicit recordings of women taken on previous bus rides. He was identified as a 46-year-old resident of Rajagiriya, previously employed as a director in a private company and currently working as a broker.

Under the guidance of Chief Police Inspector Aloka Bandara Senanayake, a team led by Women and Children’s Affairs Unit Inspector Roshani Nilushika Siriwardhana is conducting further inquiries into the case.

The Need for Enhanced Safety in Public Transport

This incident highlights the urgent need to ensure the safety of women traveling on public transport. Authorities urge the public to report any suspicious activities immediately to the relevant authorities to prevent such offenses in the future