Police have re-arrested Sarva Jana Balaya Pradeshiya Sabha member Mohammad Kasim Abdul Samad in connection with the death of an individual following a violent altercation in Polonnaruwa, Daily News reported.

The local politician was initially arrested on 14 December regarding an assault on a different individual, who suffered serious injuries, including four broken teeth. Abdul Samad was produced before court on that charge and released on bail the same day.

However, police stated that another individual, who was reportedly caught in the middle of the altercation, subsequently died. Following this death, the Police took Abdul Samad back into custody today (16).

An autopsy conducted on the deceased returned an open verdict, and samples have been forwarded to a forensic expert to determine the exact cause of death.