Colombo Additional Magistrate Pasan Amarasena today ordered the release of 27-year-old Mohamed Shafrool, also known as “Podi Zaharan”, who was taken into custody for filming the Dawoodi Bohra community’s spiritual convention underway in Bambalapitiya, Colombo.

Mohamed Shafrool, who was arrested by the Bambalapitiya Police and detained for questioning by the Criminal Investigations Department, was later handed over to the Terrorism Investigation Division (TID), which had produced him in court.

TID officers informed the court that CID interrogations of the suspect had not uncovered any terrorism or extremism-related activities related to him, after which the court had ordered his release.

“Podi Zaharan”, who was previously arrested in connection with the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks, was apprehended by Bambalapitiya police while recording video footage near the Bohra mosque during a religious event on Friday.

According to the state newspaper, Dinamina, he was reportedly using his mobile phone to film the area surrounding the mosque and the nearby railway station, raising suspicion among officers on duty. (Newswire)

The post Bohra convention : Court releases “Podi Zaharan” appeared first on Newswire.

A man previously arrested in connection with the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks has been taken into custody after being spotted filming the Dawoodi Bohra community’s spiritual convention underway in Bambalapitiya, Colombo.

The suspect, identified as 27-year-old Mohamed Shafrool, also known as “Podi Zaharan,” was apprehended by Bambalapitiya police while recording video footage near the Bohra mosque during a religious event. 

According to the state newspaper, Dinamina, he was reportedly using his mobile phone to film the area surrounding the mosque and the nearby railway station, raising suspicion among officers on duty.

Shafrool had earlier been detained by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for alleged links to the suicide bombers who carried out the coordinated attacks on churches and hotels on Easter Sunday in 2019. 

Following his initial arrest, Shafrool was released on bail but remained under surveillance. His recent activities prompted police to verify his identity through their database, confirming he was the same individual previously linked to the Easter attacks. 

He has now been handed over to the CID for further questioning and is being held under a detention order. Investigators revealed that Shafrool had travelled from Kandy to Colombo and was present near the Bohra mosque during the time of the religious gathering. 

The CID has confirmed that investigations are ongoing and that the suspect remains in custody under judicial orders. Authorities have yet to determine the motive behind his recent actions, as he has reportedly failed to provide a satisfactory explanation during interrogation. (Newswire)

The post “Podi Zaharan” arrested for filming Bohra Convention appeared first on Newswire.