COLOMBO, June 22 -- Sri Lanka Police have warned of a growing number of cases in which women are being targeted for sexual abuse, financial fraud and theft by individuals posing as romantic partners or trusted acquaintances on social media and online platforms.

In a public advisory issued on Monday (22), police cited a rise in complaints from across the country involving deception, exploitation and serious crime, urging women and the wider public to exercise caution when interacting with strangers online.

According to police, suspects have been gaining women's trust through social media and messaging applications before subjecting them to various forms of abuse. Some victims were allegedly drugged after being offered food or beverages l...