Infatuation ends in tragedy

By Ananda Agalakada

Long flowing tresses flowing below Ayodya's waist, slim figure, demure looks and olive tan complexion were what all the people in the village admired. She was young, vivacious and her skin had a rosy pink glow. She blushed whenever those around her paid her a compliment. Her mother, Anusha Maduwanthi, protected her like a precious gem and did not allow her to associate with others fearing that she would be spoilt. She was a bright student in Grade 10 at St. Joseph's College, Grandpass. She had a little sister. The neighbours loved Ayodya and her little sister because of their charming appearance. They enjoyed the company of the two children. Ayodya was just 14 and she was not aware of the perils of life.

Anusha Maduwanthi, 31, of Kotuwila, Wellampitiya had gone abroad for employment through a job agency. Everyone encouraged her to go abroad because she wanted to give a decent education for her children.

However, after working for a few months in the Middle East, she decided to return to Sri Lanka on her husband's request.

Ranga, her husband who decided to leave for Korea for employment had sent a message to his wife asking her to come back to take care of the children.

Reunite

Anusha was happy with the news as she loved to reunite with her children. She thought their woes would now come to an end with her husband working abroad for a lucrative salary.

Anusha decided to pack her bags and rush back. She was overjoyed because nothing brought her more pleasure than being with her children.

Ranga subsequently joined a selected batch of employees and left for Korea.

Anusha and her two daughters lived with her mother. Ayodya was Anusha's eldest daughter and she had a five-year-old sister.

Lanky, 25-five-year-old, Chameera Madushanka was Anusha's neighbour. He used to loiter around her house. He was eyeing demure Ayodya. She was innocent and did not for a moment think that someone was keeping a close watch on her. Ayodya went about her work unaware of what was happening. Chameera, however, was waiting for the right moment to begin an affair with Ayodya. He told Ayodya that he loved her. However, Ayodya told him that she was still a student and not interested in an affair.

Chameera did not give up and pursued her. He would often worry Ayodya to accede to his request. Ayodya told her mother that she was not interested in Chameera. Anusha who understood the gravity of the situation decided to settle the matter amicably. She asked Chameera not to trouble. She was too young to marry.

She also told him that when Ayodya completes her studies she would consider his request. However, Chameera continued to harass Ayodya. Anusha had no option, but to inform her husband about the situation. Ranga who was gainfully employed in Korea had a gut feeling that trouble was brewing. Later, he sent a message to Anusha asking her to avoid getting into trouble with Chameera and to solve the problem amicably with him. Anusha was at her wits end and did not know what to do as Chameera was trailing behind her daughter wherever she went.

Chameera began frequenting Anusha's residence without her consent. Ayodya could not figure out what was in store for her. She was at sixes and sevens unable to come to terms with her situation because she wanted to pursue her studies. One day, Chameera decided to meet Ayodya and her mother. He went to her residence with a friend, Pubudu Tharaka at 7.30 p.m.

Compound

While Chameera's friend was playing with Ayodya's sister in the compound, Chameera entered Anusha's house. Their grandmother was in the verandah watching her little granddaughter playing happily with the stranger.

Chameera spoke to Ayodya and her mother in a room. He discussed with them what they thought of his marriage proposal to Ayodya. Ayodya refused his proposal promptly.

When the telephone started ringing Anusha went to answer it.

Chameera repeatedly asked Ayodya to give her consent. When she refused to do so he showed a knife to Ayoday. Sensing danger Anusha intervened to save her daughter.

In a state of frenzy Chameera stabbed Anusha. She received stab injuries all over her body. Pandemonium broke out and no one knew what to do. Everyone was screaming without thinking of the victim who was bleeding profusely. In the melee Chameera ran away.

Chameera's friend Pubudu Tharaka, the little girl and the grandmother rushed to the scene after hearing the commotion.

Pubudu with Ayodya's help took her mother to the National Hospital where she succumbed to injuries. The following day Wellampitiya police arrested Chameera at his house on a tip-off given by a neighbour. The crime OIC IP Muditha Ruwan and PC H.D. Herath are conducting further investigations on the instructions of OIC CI Munasinghe Bandara of the Wellampitiya police.