Former Minister and United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) MP Mahindananda Aluthgamage who was arrested by the Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID) of the Police this morning, was released on bail by the Fort Magistrate Court.

Aluthgamage was arrested after he showed up at the FCID in response to summons delivered last week, to answer questions relating to the alleged misuses of state funds amounting to Rs. 39 million during the previous regime.

It is alleged that Aluthgamage used the funds to buy carrom and checker boards which he distributed to schools and sports clubs in a bid to enlarge his political clout.

SATHOSA Chairman Nalin Fernando was arrested on April 6 for the same crime, but was later released on April 10.