An elderly woman aged 71 has reportedly been sexually assaulted in Hanwella, allegedly as retaliation for providing information to police about a major drug trafficker operating in the area.
According to the Western Province Southern Division Crimes Unit, the trafficker had suspected the woman of tipping off law enforcement, leading to frequent police raids near his residence. In response, he allegedly instructed a drug addict—whom he promised Rs. 20,000 worth of heroin—to carry out the assault.
The incident occurred after the addict approached the woman’s home under the pretense of seeking a boarding room. He then lured her into the kitchen, gagged her using cloth and tape, and committed the assault. Investigations revealed that the trafficker had purchased items like tape rolls from a nearby shop to facilitate the crime.
Following a tip-off, police arrested the addict on October 14 and, after extensive questioning, apprehended the trafficker as well. At the time of arrest, authorities seized 11 grams of crystal meth from the addict and 13,200 milligrams from the trafficker.
The victim has been admitted to Homagama Base Hospital for treatment. Both suspects are expected to be presented before the Nugegoda Magistrate’s Court.
The investigation is being led by ASP Janaka Kumara under the supervision of Chief Inspector Sumith Jayasinghe, with support from Sub Inspector Isuru Chamika and officers from Unit 04 of the Western Province Southern Division Crimes Unit.
