Abdul Samad, a member of the Lankaapura Pradeshiya Sabha representing the Sarva Jana Balaya, was ordered into remand custody until December 29 on charges of murder.

The decision came after Samad was produced before the Polonnaruwa Magistrate’s Court yesterday (17).

The case was was filed based on a violent incident last Saturday when a group of disaster-affected residents approached the councilor seeking assistance.

What began as a plea for help allegedly escalated into a brutal assault.

One individual sustained injuries during the altercation and was hospitalized. Samad was initially arrested over the assault and later released on bail.

However, the situation took a grim twist when another man, who had reportedly been involved in the same incident, fell ill upon returning home and was admitted to hospital—where he tragically died.

Police investigations revealed that the deceased, identified as 40-year-old M.R. Naiser, a father of one, had also been subjected to assault during the confrontation.

This revelation prompted authorities to re-arrest Samad on suspicion of murder.