The Deputy Chairman of the Karuwalagaswewa Pradeshiya Sabha, Chaminda Ruwansiri, has been arrested for allegedly assaulting a police officers and obstructing his duties, Saliyawewa Police said.

Police Constable Karunasena, attached to the Saliyawewa Police Station, who was allegedly assaulted by the suspect last night, has been admitted to the Nochchiyagama Hospital for treatment.

The incident had taken place at around 7.20pm yesterday in front of the Aluthgama School at 17th Mile Post, Puliyankulama.

A team of Saliyawewa police officers, including the assault victim, had arrested a driver and his hand tractor which was allegedly transporting sand illegally mined from the Ihala Puliyankulama area.

While the hand tractor was being taken to the Saliyawewa Police Station, a group of around 20 persons led by Chaminda Ruwansiri had arrived and assaulted the police officer before taking off with the vehicle and the arrested driver.

One of the police officers present had even fired into the air in order to control the situation, police said. 

The Deputy Chairman of the Karuwalagaswewa Pradeshiya Sabha was arrested over the incident this morning, however the sand filled hand tractor stolen from police custody has not been found yet.

The other persons who had accompanied and aided the politician in the attack are yet to be arrested while Saliyawewa Police are conducting further investigations.