Allegations Raised Over Handling of Abuse Case Involving 15-Year-Old Girl
National Organiser of the People’s Struggle Front, Duminda Nagamuwa, has alleged that indictments against Ven. Pallegama Hemarathana Thero in connection with the abuse of a 15-year-old girl had already been filed on April 10.
Speaking at a media briefing held on Sunday (24) at the Frontline Socialist Party office in Nugegoda, Nagamuwa stated that the victim’s statement revealed the abuse had been a long-term and premeditated crime.
He further alleged that the police had remained silent on the matter for a considerable period and only took legal action following strong pressure and intervention from the National Child Protection Authority.
Nagamuwa also claimed that the suspect monk had been admitted to both state and private hospitals in a planned effort to avoid arrest or detention.
Although police reportedly informed court that investigations had been completed within two weeks, he pointed out that data related to 84 phone calls allegedly made from the monk’s mobile phone to the victim, as well as DNA reports requested by the National Child Protection Authority, had not been submitted to court.
He said the decision by both the police and the Attorney General’s Department not to object to bail had raised serious suspicions.
Nagamuwa further alleged that social media smear campaigns were being carried out against Attorney Sanjeevani, who appeared in court on behalf of the National Child Protection Authority, with the backing of police and intelligence personnel.
He also claimed that close political and family ties between the monk and President Anura Kumara Dissanayake as well as Defence Secretary Ravi Seneviratne had contributed to attempts to manipulate the legal process.
In addition, he criticised Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa and Namal Rajapaksa for remaining silent on the issue.
Nagamuwa called on society to unite against such crimes and warned that there could be attempts to delay the case for many years following the granting of bail.
