News
Edgy villagers declare ‘31’ a deadly number for folk in Warapitiya
The person, or persons, responsible for the serial killings of 15 women in a village in the Ratnapura district continues to evade arrest. The Police have still not found the killer, or killers, and the residents of Kahawatta Kotakethana, in Warapitiya, live in fear, day and night.
Police officers investigating the latest killing to shock Kahawatte. Photo: Lasantha Niroshana
Warapitiya is under heavy guard. The three roads that lead to the village are being policed by both Police and Special Task Force officers. During the day, the women of the area gather to keep each other company, while their husbands and sons are away. If there is no man in the house, the women spend the day with neighbours or relatives. Fear and insecurity is even greater after dusk, and the women make sure the men are back at home before night falls.
Despite all the cautionary measures in place, another killing took place just two weeks ago, on October 31. The crime occurred in the afternoon.
Warapitiya residents have developed a dread for the number 31; except for one of the killings, all the murders reported this year from Warapitiya took place on the last day of the month, the 31st.
Mother and daughter Nayana Nilmini and Kavinya Selwahewa were brutally murdered on January 31 this year. The bodies of the victims in the second Warapitiya double murder, sisters Sethathunge Dayawathi and Thilakawathi, were discovered on May 31. The third Warapitiya double murder this year occurred on July 3. The most recent Warapitiya victim, U. G. Chandrawathi, was found dead on October 31.
Mrs. Chandrawathi lived with her son. Her husband worked in distant Kalawana and would come home for a few days every month. Her son, who works in Opata, would come home regularly. Her married daughter lives in Kotakethana, and was a frequent visitor. Kushani Dilrukshi had planned to visit her mother on Wednesday, October 31, but heavy rains prevented her from making the trip.
“My brother called on the evening of October 31 to say that Amma was not at home – I panicked,” Kushani told the Sunday Times. “A few minutes later he called again – to say he had found Amma in the garden. She was unconscious and her body was covered in blood.”
U. G. Chandrawathi was rushed to the closest hospital, where she was pronounced dead. Once again the killer had struck, following the familiar pattern of stabbing the victim with a sharp object. Mrs. Chandrawathi had been stabbed several times.
Suspects arrested in connection with previous Warapitiya murders were taken into custody after Mrs. Chandrawathi’s murder. Two have been released on bail.
Four persons were arrested in connection earlier this year in connection with this year’s third double murder. The suspects included a brother of a Pradeshiya Sabha Minister of the area.
Warapitiya residents are baffled by the serial killings, saying the victims were good people who were always ready to help anyone in need.
The villagers continue to point fingers at the suspect Minister, and they are demanding the reinstatement of Inspector of Police Rohan Olugala. IP Olugala was dismissed while investigating this year’s third double murder.
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