Three of Zahran’s associates handed over to TID

By Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya and Chaturanga Samarawickrama   

Three persons who had allegedly undergone weapons training conducted by Zahran Hashim, the leader of the terrorist outfit National Thawheed Jama’ath were handed over to the TID on May 8 (Monday) and 9 (Tuesday). 

The suspect arrested on May 1 in connection with terrorism Ismail Mohammadu Nazeer was handed over to the Terrorism Investigation Division (TID) on Monday.   

Police said the 41-year-old Moulavi, a resident of Rasnayakapura in Kurunegala District, was arrested by officers of the Nikaweratiya Division Crimes Investigation Unit and detained at the Rasnayakapura Police Station.   

Investigations revealed that he had undergone training under Zahran Hashim at Nuwara Eliya.   

Two more suspects, who had allegedly received training with Zahran Hashim, had been handed over to the TID yesterday, police said. They said Shahul Hamid Hizbullah (21), who was arrested on June 15 was one of them.   

The suspect was arrested by the police in Welimada for having allegedly engaged in terror activities in the area. Investigations revealed that the suspect had undergone weapon training conducted by Zahran Hashim at Hambantota, police said.   

The other suspect, 29-year-old Mohamed Muktar Asik Razar had been arrested for questioning at his residence in Elugoda, Hendeniya in Peradeniya Police area.   
The suspect had found allegedly engaged in training conducted by Zahran Hashim at Aruppola area in Kandy.   

The suspect was arrested by the police in Welimada