ABBOTTABAD, March 9: The National Accountability Bureau has arrested Patwari Saifur Rehman and Councillor Mir Dad of the Namli Mera union council on charges of issuing cheques for survivors of the October earthquake to non-deserving people.

More than Rs1.2 billion has been paid to survivors of the earthquake in Abbottabad district. According to initial reports, 52,000 houses were damaged in the district.

Investigation was launched into the matter after reports of irregularities in payment of compensation to the victims. A number of cheques were cancelled after the inquiry and NAB seized the record of the revenue department before making the arrests.

NAB officials said more arrest were likely in the case.