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Barnes Place ruckus raises concerns; Police act
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Two groups clashed to take possession of the house.
Residents of Barnes Place, Colombo 7 were startled earlier this week by sounds of a noisy disturbance coming from a house in the area.
A closer look revealed that a large group of armed men dressed like ministerial security (MSD) men had forcibly gained entry into an upstair residence in the area. The group, carrying iron rods and poles, reportedly caused damage to the property and shouted at the occupant in abusive language before unceremoniously chucking him out of the house and closing the gates. They had then proceeded to occupy the house.
A complaint was made to the Cinnamon Gardens Police later by an individual who said the residence had been rented out to him by the owner to look after, and that he had now been displaced by this group.
Another person however, complained to Police the same day that he too has a claim to the house.
On Friday (7) evening, the crisis flared again, more violently this time after another group came and took on the group that was forcibly occupying the house. Neighbours called the Police claiming they heard what sounded like a gunshot during the melee.
Cinnamon Gardens Police who arrived at the scene arrested all those from both groups present at the house. Their iron rods and poles were also seized. Altogether, a total of 26 suspects were arrested at the scene. They were aged between 26 and 58 years and were residents from areas such as Dematagoda, Kompannya Veediya, Borella and Mattakkuliya. Investigations were directed under the supervision of OIC Chief Inspector Aloka Bandara.
Given that the area is home to several diplomatic missions and official residences of a number of diplomats, a senior Police source said they will have to take tough action to avoid a recurrence of such scenes as witnessed this week. The suspects were produced before Magistrate Bandara Illangasinghe at Court No 9 in Hulftsdorp yesterday on a variety of charges including disturbing the peace and forcible entry. They were released on surety bail of Rs 500,000 each. They were ordered to appear in courts on Monday.
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