No breakthrough in investigations

Death of girl in Bandaragama

By Norman Palihawadane and Pradeep Prasanna Samarakoon

Investigations by the CID, Kalutara Divisional Crime Investigations Unit and the Bandaragama police into the death of the nine-year-old girl from Atalugama have recorded statements from more than 25 persons by yesterday evening.

Police spokesman SSP Nihal Thalduwa said that the girl’s body had been referred for COVID-19 testing and the police expected the results this morning (30). The body would be sent for the post-mortem thereafter, the SSP said.

The body of the nine-year-old Fathima Ayesha, who went missing on Friday was found on Saturday in a marshy area behind her house at Atalugama.

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has pledged that swift action will be taken to apprehend the suspects who murdered the innocent girl from Atalugama.

“My heartfelt condolences & deepest sympathies to the family of little Fatima Ayesha who was senselessly killed. I pledge to expedite swift action & justice to her family for this vicious crime.” The President tweeted yesterday.

Police investigators said that they believed the girl had been murdered elsewhere and her body dumped in the marsh.

Police began investigations after the girl was reported missing after going to a shop to buy chicken, around 10:00 am on Friday.

The Police Spokesman said that police teams were conducting investigations into the death under the suspicion of murder.

“The IGP has handed over the investigation to the Homicide & Organised Crimes division operating under the DIG in charge of the CID” he said, adding that no suspects or any clear indication regarding the incident had been identified yet.

Statements from 25 persons including the victim’s father, mother, relatives and the owner of the meat stall have been recorded.