Youth files FR Petition over unlawful arrest and detention linked to 'Teacher Amma' assault allegation

The young man allegedly assaulted by Hayeshika Fernando, also known as 'Teacher Amma', a well-known tutor who conducts classes for Grade 5 students, has filed a Fundamental Rights petition before the Supreme Court, challenging his unlawful arrest and detention by the Katana Police over an alleged sexual harassment complaint.

- By LAKMAL SOORIYAGODA

In his petition, the petitioner claims that he was detained by the police for a period of 72 hours without being produced before a Magistrate.

When the matter was called before a two-judge bench of the Supreme Court, comprising Justices Achala Wengappuli and Sampath Wijeratne, it was fixed for support on January 26 next year.

Senior Deputy Solicitor General Lakmali Karunanayake, appearing for the Attorney General, informed the court that she would obtain observations from the police and file limited objections to the petition.

The petitioner, K.R.T. Agalawatta, filed the petition naming Katana OIC Sudasinghe, SI Perera, the Negombo Superintendent of Police, the Attorney General, and several others as respondents.