Policemen are accused of killing her after gang rape, by exploding a grenade inserted into her vagina. The brutal manner of the murder has shocked residents and human rights workers say rape is increasingly used to terrorise the population. Colombo NGO Women and Media Collective says at least seven rapes by security forces have been reported in the east since 31 December.
People say some security force personnel wear masks during night searches to avoid identification.
Following the death of two policemen in a grenade attack on 9 May at Kalmadhu, north of Batticaloa, four civilians were killed in a clash between the LTTE and the Army. Three days later T Sivaparamarajah who went fishing in Pulukunavai, south of Batticaloa, was found dead with gun shot wounds. 18 May. A man was seriously injured. After Tamil group TELO member and Eravur local councillor Subramaniam Thurairajah was shot dead by LTTE gunmen on 23 May, the Army shelled villages killing three civilians and injuring 12 others. Timber trader Sinnathamby Anantharajah was shot dead at night on 21 May at Karuvakerni.