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Maligawatte stampede: Suspects face charges under Penal Code and Quarantine Law
Scene of the stampede. Pic by Priyantha Wickramarachchi
The suspects arrested over the stampede that claimed the lives of three elderly women in Maligawatte face charges under the Penal Code and the Quarantine and Prevention of Diseases Ordinance.
They were remanded until June 4 after policr produced them before a magistrate. The Police also produced in court Rs. 500,000 recovered from the scene.
Police Legal Division Director and Deputy Inspector General Ajith Rohana told the Sunday Times the six suspects face charges under the Penal Code for causing death of persons due to negligence. If found guilty, they face a maximum term of five years Rigorous Imprisonment.
Given that the cash distribution had been organised by the suspects in violation of COVID-19 quarantine regulations, the suspects will also be charged under the Quarantine and Prevention of Diseases Ordinance, the DIG added.
The incident occurred on Thursday (21) afternoon at Jummah Masjid Road, Maligawatte, opposite the house of a wealthy businessman who runs a motorbike spare parts business. The businessman is also among those arrested over the incident. Police said he had been giving Rs 1,500 to a person as part of a Ramadan aid distribution programme.
News of the cash distribution had brought hundreds of people to Jummah Masjid Road, leading to a stampede as people rushed to collect the money. Three women were killed while nine women suffered injuries and were admitted to the National Hospital.
Police said those who organised the donation had no permission to do so given that Colombo district was still under curfew and mass gatherings were also banned to prevent the spread of COVID-19.