Sri Lankan police have arrested at least 47 'grease devils'  sex maniacs  who allegedly indulge in sexually assaulting women in rural areas, causing panic.

Police said at least 30 cases of grease devils have been reported from several districts during the last 6 weeks.

Grease devils apply grease on their bodies while clad only in underwear. This would allow them to escape to safety if caught in the act.

But the police description of grease devils hold little water in areas where mythical beliefs of unseen forces are very much part of day to day lived. At least 47 such men have been arrested recently.

In a latest incident a police station in the eastern region of Pottuvil has come under siege of residents since this morning, who have been demanding the release of a grease devil.

Yesterday in the central region of Haputale, two suspected grease devils were done to death by the residents.

The state TV stations in a bid to allay fears over grease devils showed visuals of a man covered in grease paint.

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