Renuka Damayanthi, a former United National Party (UNP) Urban Councillor for Horana, has been arrested by the police following a massive financial fraud amounting to nearly Rs. 160 million.
According to reports, the suspect had allegedly defrauded six textile businessmen in Pettah by issuing bounced (dud) cheques. She had been evading the businessmen and law enforcement for a considerable period.
The arrest took place yesterday (18) after the victimized businessmen received information that the suspect was present at ‘Sirikotha’, the UNP headquarters. The businessmen, accompanied by the police, arrived at the premises to confront her. A heated argument had broken out between the suspect and the police officers during the incident.
Initially, the Mirihana Police detained the individuals involved to defuse the situation. However, following a preliminary investigation, the Mirihana Police uncovered the facts regarding the fraud allegations and the open warrants against the former councillor.
The suspect was subsequently handed over to the Wattala Police for further investigations.
She was produced before the Acting Wattala Magistrate, Meryl Boteju, today (19) and has been remanded in custody until July 21.
