![Gossip Lanka News [English]](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhYm2aFFq-bIW1nWX-RrqnPFoIsVos6_VCVz8BpLt0QJi55GNXHXC2fugeRvL0qUStEuCfs7Sfu6ZiSlhrkldxfGuE_wzy5gitY6rMZ2KSi8VBbGvkgXLks37RwZV-4-HKbWiNLRxB8C_r1e4z3mpxFTMPDJPEADoG8E-bZteWFipeD5KNGbjvCfqEfKw=s300 "Gossip Lanka News [English]")
Businessman Viraj Wickramanayake, owner of the well-known local restaurant chain "Mr. Koththu," has been arrested by the Maharagama Police. The Police Media Spokesperson's office confirms that this arrest was made following extensive investigations into an incident where he allegedly verbally abused, threatened, and inhumanely assaulted an employee of his establishment.
Several video clips showing the businessman assaulting the employee at his business premises in the Maharagama area circulated widely on social media in recent days. Following this incident, the police launched investigations based on an official complaint filed by the aggrieved individual at the Maharagama Police Station, stating that the businessman had assaulted him. The video reveals that Viraj Wickramanayake severely assaulted the employee, using obscene language, claiming that the employees had failed to meet marketing targets.
This series of shocking scenes, recorded by a CCTV camera installed within the establishment, has been identified as having occurred on the 5th of last month. With the public revelation of this incident, which depicted him treating his employee in a highly demeaning and inhumane manner, strong disapproval and severe criticism were directed from a majority of parties. Some accused him of being a money launderer for the Rajapaksas, rather than earning such an income by cooking koththu.
As critical responses spread, Mr. Koththu released another video with two employees, but it was later removed. Subsequently, it was reported that he and his entire family had gone missing. It was reported yesterday that his phone numbers were also inactive.
Police sources state that the suspect businessman was arrested today (30) morning after he surrendered to the Maharagama Police Station through two lawyers. The Maharagama Police further stated that Mr. Viraj Wickramanayake, who was thus arrested, is scheduled to be produced before the Nugegoda Gangodawila Magistrate's Court.
