The Mulliyawalai Police have issued a clarification regarding a video circulating on social media showing police officers arresting a suspect, stating that the footage captures an arrest during which the suspect allegedly resisted police.
The Mulliyawalai Police have issued a clarification regarding a video circulating on social media showing police officers arresting a suspect, stating that the footage captures an arrest during which the suspect allegedly resisted police.
According to police, the incident is linked to a complaint lodged on January 9, in which a woman from Mulliyawalai alleged that she had been assaulted by a resident of Shiva Nagar, Puthukudiyiruppu. The suspect was arrested the same day, produced before the Mullaithivu Magistrate's Court, and remanded until January 14, 2026.
Police said that while out on bail, the suspect allegedly snatched the same woman's mobile phone on January 25 in front of Mancholai Hospital and attempted to flee on a motorcycle. The victim immediately informed two police officers on traffic duty nearby, who intercepted the suspect.
During the arrest, officers allegedly recovered the stolen mobile phone and found that the suspect was riding the motorcycle under the influence of alcohol. Police said the suspect strongly resisted arrest due to his intoxicated state, prompting officers to use the minimum force necessary to take him into custody without causing bodily harm.
Police emphasized that the viral video was recorded by a bystander during the arrest and only shows the suspect resisting officers.
The suspect was later produced before the Mullaithivu Magistrate's Court on charges of driving under the influence of alcohol and driving without a valid licence. He was fined Rs. 50,000 for the traffic-related offences, while legal proceedings over the alleged mobile phone theft are continuing.
