Yaqeen Blog

The murder of 18-year-old Sivaloganathan Vithiya in Pungudutivu remains one of the most painful chapters in Sri Lankan history. Vithiya was a student at Pungudutivu Maha Vidyalayam who vanished on her way to school on May 13, 2015. When she didn't come home, her family searched the area and found her body the next morning in an isolated spot near a ruined building. She had been gang-raped and murdered in a way that was so brutal it sparked massive protests across the Northern Province and the entire country.

The Failed Police Response and the "Swiss Kumar" Scandal

The public was outraged not just by the crime, but by the police's refusal to help at first. When Vithiya's family first tried to report her missing, officers reportedly made insulting comments, suggesting she had just run off with a boyfriend. The anger boiled over when it was discovered that a key suspect, Mahalingam Sasikumar (known as "Swiss Kumar"), had been caught by villagers but was allowed to escape to Colombo. It was later revealed that he had filmed the assault with the intention of selling the footage as a "snuff film" to international buyers.

The Verdict: Seven Sentenced to Death

Because of the massive public pressure and the high-profile nature of the case, a special Trial-at-Bar was formed with three judges to ensure a fair and fast result. In September 2017, the court delivered a landmark ruling. Seven of the nine suspects were found guilty of 41 charges, including kidnapping, gang rape, and murder. They were sentenced to death and ordered to pay compensation to Vithiya's family. The case became a symbol of the fight against sexual violence and the need for a police force that actually protects its citizens.

Case Summary: The Vithiya Investigation

Official Information

• Wikipedia: Murder of S. Vithiya