Protests were held in Jaffna yesterday urging swift action against the alleged rapists of a 17 year old schoolgirl from Kayts in Jaffna District.

Eight suspects were produced before the Kayts Magistrate where a tense situation flared up as protesters tried to attack the suspects in the court premises. Protesters attacked houses of at least three suspects and burned down one house.

Meanwhile, local residents also protested against the DIG of Jaffna who visited the Punguditivu area where the girl had lived. They had urged the police to arrest the ninth suspect who had fled the area.

However, according to the police, the ninth suspect was already in custody. He was arrested in Wellawatta. He was reportedly planning to leave the country at the time of the arrest.

Meanwhile, a hartal was carried out yesterday in Jaffna to urge action against the alleged rapists. The protesters urge death penalty for the alleged criminals. Meanwhile, schoolchildren across Jaffna also joined protests yesterday.