A former United National Party (UNP) municipal councillor from Horana has been remanded until tomorrow (21) over allegations that she defrauded six textile traders in Pettah of nearly Rs 160 million using dishonoured cheques.

Police stated that suspect Renuka Damayanthi was arrested by the Wattala Police following complaints lodged by the tradeRs

According to investigators, she allegedly obtained goods from the traders by issuing dishonoured cheques before avoiding them for a prolonged period.

The matter came to light after the traders received information that the suspect was at Sirikotha on 17 July and went there to confront her.

Police stated that a heated argument broke out between the traders and the suspect, prompting officers from the Mirihana Police to intervene and take those involved into custody.

Subsequent investigations led the traders to formally lodge complaints against the suspect, after which she was handed over to the Wattala Police.

She was produced before Acting Wattala Magistrate Merrill Botheju yesterday (19), who ordered that she be remanded until tomorrow.