Zahran accomplices arrested

• Two suspects handed over to TID for further investigations
• All suspects believed to have received weapons training

A suspect, who authorities suspect received weapons training with the alleged mastermind behind the Easter Sunday attacks, Zahran Hashim, was arrested by the Terrorism Investigation Division (TID) yesterday.

Police spokesman SP Ruwan Gunasekara said the suspect, identified as Mohammad Mufthar (29) was arrested at his residence in Peradeniya. He said investigations carried out by the TID had revealed the suspect was connected to Zahran Hashim.

Meanwhile, two suspects had been handed over to the TID on Tuesday for further investigations, Police Spokesman Gunasekara said. Accordingly, a suspect identified as Rajgopal Mudiyanselage Ismail Mahammdu Nazir (41) from Rathnayakapura was handed over to the TID. “The suspect was arrested on 1 May by Nikaweratiya Crime Investigation Division. Later the suspect was questioned at the Rathnayakapura Police station. During questioning, police were able to confirm his alleged connection with Zahran Hashim, and he allegedly received training in Nuwara Eliya,” Gunasekara said. Gunasekara said that following questioning, the suspect was handed over to TID for further investigations.

He said a third suspect, arrested on 15 June by Welimada Police, was also handed over to TID on Tuesday. The arrested suspect was identified as Sahul Hameed Hizbullah, according to the Police Spokesperson.

Gunasekara said it had been revealed that the arrested suspect had received training with Zahran Hashim in Hambantota.