Pungudutheevu Rape: Tamil leaders call upon people to abstain from violence
Unprecedented number of people surged into Jaffna town specially in front of the Courts complex, Jaffna where, the accused in student Vithya’s rape- murder “ Swiss Kumar” and some others were promised in writing by the DIG , to be produced before Jaffna courts at 10.00 a.m.
The people were only shouting and moving about till that time. But the time reached 12.00 clock and there was no sign of the accused, being brought to courts, people turned violent and attacked the court house causing damage to it. Later police dispersed them with tear gas and warning shots. 162 protesters were arrested by the police. Also they ‘captured’ more than 30 motor cycles, 80 bicycles, and 50 three-wheelers.
Attorney at Law N.Srikantha, in a media conference after the incidents said intoxicated mobs incited by small political groups caused the disturbance and that web sites which published news that a legal expert who was accused of assisting the suspect in Pungudutheevu Gang rape and Murder case, Swiss Kumar to escape is a respectable person, should be more responsible in news making, as he is not a famous Attorney, but only a lecturer. He also said that the Jaffna lawyers had decided to appear on behalf of Vithya’s family in looking after their interests.
The CM, NPC, Justice C.V. Wigneswaran said some mischief- makers are trying put our people into conflict with the police and create opinion that we could only be controlled by the Army. These mischief makers should not ride on the back of the grieving people. Our people should be careful to protest peacefully and resume routine life.
The General Secretary of TNA, Mawai called upon the Tamil people to abstain from violence while justfully protesting the atrocities like Vithya’s Rape and Murder.
Meanwhile the Police Spokesman had told that ‘Swiss Kumar’ will be produced in court today (21st).
