By Hemantha Randunu

A 19-year-old youth and his accomplice have been remanded until 20 January by the Avissawella Magistrate, for allegedly abducting an 18-year-old girl and threatening her mother at gunpoint.

Initial police investigations indicate that the youth acted out of anger after the girl’s family opposed their romantic relationship, which had reportedly been ongoing for a year. However, within eight hours of the abduction, team of officers of the Deraniyagala police, led by Officer-in-Charge Manjula Jayawardena, rescued the girl from a house in the Dehiowita area and apprehended the suspects.

The suspects were found in possession of two locally manufactured firearms believed to have been used for the abduction. Police said that the youth, who works at a garage, is a resident of the Deraniyagala area. The girl’s family had expressed strong disapproval of the relationship, leading to tensions.

According to reports, in the early hours of 13 January, the youth and an associate forced their way into the girl’s home, armed with firearms. The youth allegedly held a gun at the mother and issued death threats before fleeing with the girl on a motorcycle.

Acting on a tip-off, the police located the suspects and rescued the girl. The operation was carried out under the supervision of Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police for the Sabaragamuwa Province, Sanjeewa Dharmarathna, and led by Officer-in-Charge Manjula Jayawardena.

Further investigations are underway.