The Valachchenai Magistrate’s Court today granted bail to four suspects involved in the controversial removal of Archaeological Department signboards.

The group included the Chairman of the Valachchenai Pradeshiya Sabha, who, along with two others, surrendered to the court earlier in the day. The central dispute arose after the Pradeshiya Sabha removed the signboards, alleging they had been erected without the local council’s necessary approval.

The Magistrate ordered the suspects to reinstall the removed signboards. However, validating the procedural concern raised by the suspects, the Court stipulated that this re-installation must be done after obtaining the formal approval of the Valachchenai Pradeshiya Sabha.