Police go tough on bogus beggars in Anuradhapura sacred sites, arrest six women

By B. G. Chaturanga – Anuradhapura

Police in Anuradhapura will take strong punitive measures against bogus individuals who would beg money from pilgrims of sacred sites under various pretexts of medical emergencies etc, and placed six such women under custody.

The officials of the Udamaluwa Police in Anuradhapura following many complaints carried out a snap raid within the sacred sites of Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi and Ruwanweliseya in search of beggars and arrested six females who were going after pilgrims.

OIC Udamaluwa Police Chief Inspector W. C. L. R. B. K. Weththewa said the arrested women had been begging under various pretexts such as collecting money for eye surgery, treatment of kidney ailments and even strange purposes like going on pilgrimage to India.

The OIC said they had received a number of complaints from local and foreign pilgrims against the annoyance caused by beggars who would hinder their way to religious sites until money was dispensed.

The arrested women are from the locality of Devanampiytissa Pura, Padulagama, Wessagiriya, Thisawewa, Jayanthi Mawatha and Korakahawewa and between 51 to 80 years of age.

Udamaluwa Police handed over the suspects to Anuradhapura Police for further action.