Manhunt launched for brutal child abuser captured on video

Several police teams are on the hunt for a man suspected of brutally assaulting a four-year-old boy. A viral video circulating on social media shows suspect Munasinghe Kodikarage Chaminda, a resident of Hansawila, Kalyanipura in Welioya, assaulting the child while feeding him.

The video sparked public outrage, with calls for the police to immediately arrest the man. 

Police spokesperson DIG Nihal Talduwa said the Welioya OIC IP Lakmal was informed of the incident before the video went viral. While the Welioya Police identified both the suspect and his residence, investigators had discovered that the suspect and his family had fled the area before the video surfaced online.

According to Talduwa, the man had allegedly assaulted the child, believed to be the son of his mistress, for eating without permission. The spokesperson added that the man could face up to 10 years in prison if found guilty. 

“Several investigation teams are searching for him in his hometown and other potential hiding places,” Talduwa said.

The Police Spokesman revealed that previous complaints had been filed against the suspect for assaulting his own children. The suspect is also believed to be heavily addicted to alcohol. According to the spokesperson, the video was recorded by one of Chaminda’s sons and then shared on social media platforms. 

DIG Talduwa urged adults to refrain from inflicting such cruelty on children and to report any such incidents to the police to protect vulnerable children. He also assured that the police would offer assistance to suspects if they are suffering from mental illness or addiction issues.