CID questions Rishad Bathiudeen over alleged fraudulent land deal in Mannar

Former Minister and Leader of All Ceylon Makkal Congress (ACMC) Rishad Bathiudeen appeared before the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) today over an alleged fraudulent land deal in Mannar, Police said.

Earlier Police commenced investigations over a 40 acres land deal worth Rs 24 million by former Minister Bathiudeen and his brother Riyaj Bathiudeen after allegations were levelled of alleged financial misappropriation and corruption.

In January, Colombo Chief Magistrate Lanka Jayarathne remanded Riyaj Bathiudeen for allegedly obtaining the possession of the land on a fraudulent deed. He was released later under strict bail conditions.

Meanwhile, Riyad Bathiudeen was arrested yesterday by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) in Puttalam yesterday over the ongoing investigations into Easter Sunday attacks last year.

"This arrest is clearly political victimization and the only reason for his arrest was that he is a brother of mine. During the Easter Sunday attacks last year, many politicians, mainstream and social media started their racist campaigns against me saying that I was behind this attack.  But finally, it was proved end even the Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP) informed the Parliamentary Secretary General that I had no connection with this attack or any other terrorist activity following his investigations made a Special Police Committee to investigate those false allegations. Now the arrow has been pointed at my brother to tarnish my image," ACMC leader said today in a statement.