1st LD: Violent protests break out in Sri Lanka over alleged rape, murder of school girl

Over 120 people were arrested by Sri Lankan police on Wednesday after violent clashes erupted between protestors and the police outside a northern court over the alleged gang rape and murder of a school girl.

Police were forced to use tear gas to disperse the violent protestors who were demanding the highest punishment be meted out to the nine suspects who were arrested by police over the incident.

The protestors were also demanding the suspects be handed over to them. Police spokesman ASP Ruwan Gunesekare told Xinhua that six police officers were injured in the clash.

"The Inspector General of Police (IGP) has ordered the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) to carry out the investigations into this incident. The protestors are demanding grave punishment on the suspects but this will be decided when they are produced before the court," the spokesman said.

The body of the 17-year-old school girl was discovered in Pungudutivu last week after the police launched a manhunt following a complaint lodged by the victim's parents.

The girl's parents informed the Kayts Police station, situated in the north, that their daughter did not returned home from school. The police searched the residence of a youth in the area and found bloodstained clothing.

Widespread protests broke out in Jaffna on Tuesday and Wednesday with local people demanding that the suspects be charged without any delay. Endi