Three arrested for distributing cash while violating quarantine laws

A businessman and two others who were distributing cash to people in Upupiddi, Nelliady in Jaffna were arrested by police yesterday for violating quarantine laws. 

The businessman had been distributing Rs 2000 each to people in the area from his home. News that he was distributing cash had spread quickly and people had flocked to his house, disregarding COVID-19 Prevention Guidelines. 

Nelliady Police and area health official had arrived on the scene after learning of the incident and found a large crowd at the scene. They proceeded to disperse the crowd and police later arrested the businessman and two of his assistants who were helping to distribute the cash. 

Under interrogation, the businessman had told police that the cash had been sent to him by his son in Switzerland with a request to distribute it among the public. He said he was simply carrying out his son's request and that his son had sent him Rs 20 million to be distributed to the public. He had been distributing the cash at Rs 2000 for each person. 

Police released all three individuals after recording their statements. 

By Romesh Madushanka