SIU investigating internal setbacks in previous 21/4 investigation

Colombo (News 1st) ; The Criminal Investigations Department had arrested a total of 119 suspects over the 2019 April Attacks. Police Spokesperson SP Jaliya Senaratne said in addition 78 people were arrested by the Terrorists Investigations Division. 40 suspects are interrogated by the CID upon obtaining detention orders while another 33 are in remand custody. There are 50 suspects detained and interrogated by the Terrorists Investigations Division. He said among those arrested recently in fresh investigations, are an attorney, customs officer and the brother of a former minister. He added the attorney who was arrested, had maintained ties with two of the suicide bombers adding he was involved in several organisations in which the bombers held positions. SP Jaliya Senaratne said Riyaj Bathidueen, the brother of Former Minister Rishad Bathiudeen, had maintained direct ties with one of the suicide bombers and information revealed he had also visited well known hotel with a suicide bomber for a meeting. He further said the suspects had established welfare funds & organizations and worked closely with the suicide bombers in those establishments, while holding numerous positions. Investigations revealed the suicide bombers also made investments to those organisations while land and property were also donated to those organisations. The Police Spokesperson said the CID is conducting further investigations on various avenues and leads. He said several teams are investigating the crime to bring to book all those accountable. The Police Spokesperson stressed the investigations are extremely complex in nature. In addition, the Police Special Investigations Unit is conducting a separate internal investigation on setbacks in the previous investigations. SP Jaliya Senaratne said detectives will conduct investigations irrespective of a person's position and status in society.