By Roy Denish.
Akkaraipattu former mayor Ahamed Zackie has been remanded after police arrested him over alleged abuse of power and sexual assault.
AKKARAIPATTU – The Akkaraipattu former mayor has been remanded in judicial custody after police arrested him over allegations of abuse of power and sexual assault involving a municipal employee.
Ahamed Zackie, widely known as Sakki Athaullah, previously served as Mayor of the Akkaraipattu Municipal Council in Ampara District. Police took him into custody after he arrived at the Ampara Children and Women’s Bureau to provide an official statement.
The arrest followed a formal complaint by a female public officer employed by the Akkaraipattu local authority. According to police filings presented in court, the complainant alleged that the former civic leader used his political authority and position of influence to draw her into sexual relations through false promises of marriage.
Chief Inspector Dayani Gamage, Officer-in-Charge of the Ampara Children and Women’s Bureau, led the investigative team that arrested the suspect when he arrived at the station.
Akkaraipattu Former Mayor Produced Before Court
Investigators later produced the Akkaraipattu former mayor before the Akkaraipattu Magistrate’s Court. Police filed charges under statutory provisions relating to abuse of office and sexual coercion.
The magistrate rejected bail applications submitted by the defense and ordered the suspect to remain in judicial remand while police continue their inquiries.
The proceedings have also drawn attention to concerns over gender-based violence and workplace exploitation in the public sector. Under statutory penal provisions, sexual harassment offenses carry greater gravity when an individual allegedly exploits authority, employment hierarchy, or public trust.
Meanwhile, police said specialized investigators from the Ampara District Women and Children’s Unit are widening the inquiry. Officers are collecting workplace records and interviewing potential witnesses connected to the municipal council.
Akkaraipattu, in the Eastern Province, is a major administrative and economic centre in the region. Local civil society organizations have closely followed the case and emphasized the importance of independent law enforcement when allegations involve prominent political figures.
Police representatives said investigators will submit a comprehensive report to the magistrate before the next scheduled court hearing. The court is then expected to consider any request for a further remand extension or renewed bail applications as the investigation continues.
