Two women arrested for conducting dark ritual at cemetery

Two women were arrested yesterday (20) afternoon by Bakamuna Police after they allegedly entered a public cemetery in broad daylight and performed a dark ritual, excavating graves.

According to our correspondent, the incident took place at the 12 Yaya Public Cemetery in Yaya 25 village, within the Bakamuna Police Division in Polonnaruwa.

Around 12 noon yesterday, a passerby reportedly noticed unusual activity inside the cemetery and immediately informed villagers.

When villagers arrived to inspect the scene, they found that two burial sites — a recently interred grave and an older grave — had been dug up. The suspects were allegedly placing various objects inside the excavated areas.

It was also reported that clay figurines resembling human shapes had been placed on top of tombs, with lamps lit as part of the ritual.

Acting on information received, a group of Bakamuna Police officers rushed to the cemetery, where a large crowd of villagers had already gathered. The two women were arrested on the spot along with items used in the ritual.

The suspects have been identified as a 49-year-old woman from Hingurakgoda and a 38-year-old woman from Sarubima, Bakamuna.

Residents claim the women had previously visited the cemetery several times and performed similar mysterious activities, saying it has now caused fear in the community.

Police have filed charges under relevant laws related to damage to graves and offences involving public and private cemeteries.