Deputy Chairman of Mihinthale PS among three arrested over sexual exploitation of minor

The Deputy Chairman of the Mihanthale Pradeshiya Sabha is among three more suspects arrested by police in connection with an incident where a 15-year-old girl was sexually exploited online. 

The Mount Lavinia Police first arrested an individual on June 7 for allegedly selling the 15-year-old victim for sex online. The investigation was then handed over to the Women and Children's Bureau which arrested a further 17 persons in relation to the crime. Those arrested included two women who had allegedly aided and abetted the sexual exploitation of the victim. 

The three suspects, including the Deputy Chairman of the Mihinthale PS, were taken into custody by the Women and Children's Bureau yesterday, taking the total number of arrests concerning the incident to 21. 

The other two suspects arrested yesterday are a prominent businessman and an individual from Panadura who is suspected of assisting in the sexual exploitation of the victim online. 

One of the three arrested was taken into custody in Wellawatta while transporting another female victim who he was allegedly intending to sexually exploit for money. 

Police Spokesman Senior Deputy Inspector General (SDIG) of Police Ajith Rohana said investigations have so far revealed details of a large number of individuals who had allegedly exploited the 15-year-old victim for sex through the internet. Further investigations are ongoing.