A serious incident at a luxury hotel in Ahungalla has resulted in the remand of a suspect accused of raping a 41-year-old Russian tourist. The Balapitiya Acting Magistrate, Mr. Samantha Abreu, ordered the suspect, identified as Ravindra Pushpa Kumara (30), a hotel employee and resident of Uragasmanhandiya, to be held in custody until November 19, 2024.
The victim, Angelina Krushki, a Russian national and bank employee, had been staying at the Riu Hotel in Ahungalla since November 8. According to police investigations, the alleged assault occurred on the night of her birthday, November 12. Reports indicate that the victim consumed a significant amount of alcohol and retired to her reserved room, where the suspect is alleged to have entered and raped her.
The Ahungalla Police acted promptly following the complaint, detaining the suspect and producing him in court. A medical examination of the victim was conducted at the Balapitiya Base Hospital, and police have been directed to obtain DNA and fingerprint evidence as part of their investigation.
The magistrate also ordered a suspect identification parade to be held on the trial date.
While the suspect is accused of forcibly assaulting the victim, police are also examining the circumstances surrounding the incident, including the victim’s state of inebriation and whether the incident involved any level of consent.
The case has sparked outrage and concern over the safety of tourists in Sri Lanka, particularly at high-profile establishments like the Riu Hotel. Advocacy groups are calling for stringent measures to ensure the security of guests and rigorous legal action against perpetrators of such crimes.
The hotel management has not yet issued a public statement regarding the incident or the suspect’s employment status.
As investigations continue, the case highlights the critical need for robust safety protocols in the tourism sector. The incident has also raised questions about the handling of alcohol consumption and guest security in hotel environments.
Sri Lankan authorities face increasing pressure to ensure a transparent and fair investigation while maintaining the country’s reputation as a safe tourist destination.
