Ramanathan Archchuna was arrested by Sri Lanka Police this morning (27) over an allegation of criminal intimidation following a land dispute in Periyavilan, Jaffna.

Police action follows an incident on Friday (25 April), during which the MP was allegedly involved in a heated confrontation while engaged in clearing a disputed plot of land he claimed as ancestral property.

According to reports, a group comprising two men and five women arrived at the site and objected to the work, claiming that part of the land belonged to them. A verbal altercation subsequently broke out between the parties.

Videos circulating on social media appear to show the MP involved in a confrontation with several individuals during the dispute. In the footage, Archchuna is seen holding what appeared to be a firearm as tensions escalated.

The dispute is understood to be linked to an ongoing case before a magistrate’s court regarding ownership of the land, with both the MP and another party claiming rights over the property.

Following the circulation of the video, Archchuna, speaking in a live Facebook broadcast, alleged that the group had entered the property and obstructed the work being carried out. He further claimed that stones had been thrown at him during the confrontation.

He said he had used his personal firearm, which he claimed had been issued through the Defence Ministry, in response to concerns for his safety and to bring the situation under control, adding that he had no intention of harming anyone.