Two young men, identified as Peduru Perignna Kanishka Dilshan Niranjan (21) and Devapura Devage Ruwan Samira Lakshan (23), both residents of the Pepiliyawala area, have been taken into custody on suspicion of a disturbing incident in which they allegedly took a 16-month-old child hostage and sexually assaulted the child's mother.
They were presented before Pugoda Magistrate Vishan Ekanayake and have been remanded until November 4.
According to the police, another suspect connected to the incident is currently at large but is expected to be apprehended soon.
The arrests came following an investigation into a complaint filed by the victim, who claimed that she was sexually assaulted while her husband was away from home. She alleged that the suspects threatened to harm her child during the horrifying ordeal.
A senior official from Pugoda police disclosed that the suspects have been referred to the JMO (Judicial Medical Officer) at Gampaha General Hospital, G.A. Seneviratne, for examination. The initial report from the examination did not show any evidence of sexual assault. However, the victim is presently receiving medical treatment at Gampaha General Hospital, and a comprehensive medical report regarding the alleged rape is still pending.
