In a major anti-corruption operation, the Chairman of the Kuchchaveli Pradeshiya Sabha, Ainiya Pillai Mubarak (50), and his private driver M. M. Irshad (34) have been arrested by officers of the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC).

The arrests took place in Iqbal Nagar, Kuchchaveli, following a complaint by a female resident of Mullaitivu. According to CIABOC, the Chairman had previously accepted Rs. 160,000 for a permit covering 20 perches of land, and later demanded an additional Rs. 500,000 to issue the permit for the remaining portion.

Both suspects were apprehended while allegedly accepting the latter amount and have been handed over to Nilaveli Police for further investigation. They are expected to be produced before the Trincomalee Magistrate’s Court later today.

Officials confirmed that Mubarak is a member of the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC), which currently shares control of the Kuchchaveli Pradeshiya Sabha with the Ilankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi (ITAK) following the last local government election.

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