Three arrested over school assault circulated on social media

Colombo, March 29 (Daily Mirror) - Three students have been arrested in connection with an assault involving schoolchildren in the Hatton area, after video footage of the incident circulated on social media.

Police said investigations were launched after a video showing a group of students assaulting another student came to light. Preliminary inquiries revealed that the incident had taken place early of this month.

According to police, the assault was linked to a school-related dispute. Investigations indicate that the victim had informed a class teacher about another student allegedly smoking, which is believed to have led to the attack. Two other students had reportedly joined in the assault.

No complaint had initially been lodged, as the school principal had intervened at the time and attempted to resolve the matter internally.

However, the victim and his mother lodged a complaint with police on March 28, citing distress caused by the circulation of the video on social media.

Police said the injured student has been referred to a judicial medical officer for examination. Statements have also been recorded from three students allegedly involved in the assault and in sharing the footage.

The suspects, all aged 16, are residents of the Hatton and Dikoya areas. Further investigations are being carried out by Hatton Police.