Armed robbers injure mother, son during curfew hours in Jaffna

[TamilNet, Thursday, 13 November 2008, 16:35 GMT]
Unidentified armed men knifed a 43-year-old mother and her son while robbing their house during Sri Lanka Army (SLA) imposed curfew hours Wednesday night in Thirunelveali Kalaasaalay area in Jaffna, civil society sources in Jaffna said. Meanwhile, extortion from traders, wealthy persons and high government officers through intimidating phone calls have escalated in Jaffna. Robberies by armed groups during curfew hours in Jaffna peninsula while the SLA troops are on patrol, have also escalated.

The injured were identified as Mahenthirarasa Sarojathevi, 43, and her son, Mahenthirarasa Nirushan, 22.

Both were rushed to Jaffna Teaching hospital after the armed men left the place with the cash and valuables.

They are being treated in the Intensive Care Unit in Jaffna hospital.

The intimidating phone calls demanding money are said to be made by persons introducing themselves as Karuna group men.

Many who had fallen victims to extortion have failed to make complaints due to fear for their lives.

Though vigilant committees have been formed in various parts in Jaffna the robberies during night time curfew hours go on unchecked, the civili soicety sources said.