April 27, Colombo (LNW): MP Archchuna Ramanathan has been taken into police custody following a confrontation in Periyavilaan, Jaffna, where he is accused of threatening two women with a pistol during a dispute over land ownership.

Police confirmed that one of the women involved in the altercation was also arrested on Sunday (26), as inquiries continue into the incident, which has heightened tensions in the area.

According to investigators, the dispute began when the MP arrived at a plot of land he maintains is legally his, intending to begin preparatory work. However, another party contested his claim, leading to a heated exchange. Matters reportedly escalated when two women challenged his presence on the property.

Eyewitness accounts suggest that during the argument, the MP, appearing agitated, allegedly drew a firearm and directed threats at the women, who were unarmed at the time. The incident quickly drew public attention, prompting police intervention.

It is understood that the Mallakam Magistrate’s Court had earlier issued an order recognising the MP’s ownership of the land and permitting construction activities. Despite this, competing claims over the property appear to have reignited the conflict when he visited the site.

Authorities have stated that further investigations are in progress, including efforts to verify witness statements and examine any available evidence related to the alleged use of the weapon.