Deraniyagala Pradeshiya Sabha (PS) Chairman Lakshman Rajakaruna has been remanded by Avissawella Acting Magistrate B.S. Ratnayake on April 17 under the Public Property Act for having 98 water meters belonging to the Water Supply and Drainage Board. He was arrested by Deraniyagala Police on April 16 in Dehiowita.
The Engineer In-charge of the project of the Water Supply and Drainage Board has lodged a complaint with the Deraniyagala Police regarding the disappearance of 477 meters on March 30.
A driver and a warehouse manager of the project have also been arrested in connection with the theft of water pipes.
It was revealed that the water meters and wheels had been sold to two ironmongers in Deraniyagala.
The two traders had been arrested.
Deraniyagala Police had visited the house of a brother of the Chairman in Deraniyagala on April 16. Later, Police had gone to the house in Lassegama on the same day and found 98 meters in boxes.
The Chairman had been arrested and produced before Court. Five people including two traders are in remand custody now.
Deraniyagala Police OIC Chief Inspector Wasantha Alahakoon, Sub Inspectors Jayatissa, Chandrasena and Sergeant Nishantha along with other officers are investigating.