By: Ovindi Vishmika
March 28, Colombo (LNW): An identification parade for the suspect involved in the sexual assault of a female doctor at the Anuradhapura Teaching Hospital is set to take place today (28) at the Anuradhapura Magistrate’s Court.
This comes after several delays, including the victim’s absence from the previous court hearings. However, the female doctor is expected to appear in court today for the important procedure.
The identification parade, which was originally scheduled for March 17, had to be postponed twice due to the complainant’s failure to appear. The court has now ensured her participation today, marking a key moment in the investigation.
However,the accused, Nilantha Maduranga Rathnayake, a 36-year-old former Army soldier, is currently in remand custody. He faces charges of sexually assaulting the doctor in the hospital’s residential quarters. During a subsequent search of Rathnayake’s home, police uncovered a live hand grenade, adding a new layer of complexity to the case.
The victim’s mobile phone, which was allegedly taken by the suspect, has not yet been recovered, and investigations are ongoing. Authorities are continuing their efforts under the guidance of Officer-in-Charge Nishani Seneviratne.
The identification parade today will be a critical step in moving the case forward and ensuring that justice is served as this case has drawn significant public attention at its highest level.
