Soldiers attempt rape, assault

[TamilNet, Friday, 11 August 2000, 18:14 GMT]
Sri Lanka Army (SLA) soldiers who were on duty at a check-post in Vembu, a hamlet in Kalkudha, about 30 km. north of Batticaloa, are reported to have attempted to molester three women and assaulted some men Thursday night. One of the victims has brought the incident to the notice of the officer in charge of Kumburumoolai SLA camp.

According to the villagers, soldiers who were under the influence of alcohol had entered the houses Thursday night and attempted to molester Velmuruku Thanalauxmi, 46, her daughter Velmuruku Thangeswaray, 26, and another woman Thamotharam Yokampikai, 36. Males in their houses were assaulted and chased out of their houses by the soldiers, according to victims.

The soldiers took to their heels when the women began shouting, according to the villagers.

The soldiers were attached to the Kumburumoolai SLA camp, the villagers added. The villagers said the army authorities have not taken any action yet.