Rishad Bathiudeen and brother arrested over Easter attacks

The Criminal Investigation Department on Saturday (April 24) arrested former Minister Rishad Bathiudeen and his brother Riyaj Bathiudeen, the Police Spokesperson DIG Ajith Rohana said in a statement.

The two brothers were arrested for allegedly aiding and abetting the suicide bombers who carried through the deadly terror attacks on Easter Sunday in 2019.

Reportedly, the former minister was taken into custody at his residence in Bauddhaloka Mawatha in Colombo while his brother Riyaj Bathiudeen was apprehended in Wellawatte area in the early hours of this morning.

Legal action will be sought against the duo under the provisions of Prevention of Terrorism Act, the police spokesperson noted.

Rishad and Riyaj Bathiudeen were taken into custody based on the direct, circumstantial and forensic evidence uncovered during the investigations, he explained.

Prior to his arrest, MP Rishad Bathiudeen tweeted: “The CID has been standing outside my house in Boudhaloka Mawatha since 1.30 am today attempting to arrest me without a charge. They have already arrested my brother. I have been in Parliament, and have cooperated with all lawful authorities until now. This is unjust.”

The CID has been standing outside my house in Boudhaloka Mawatha since 1.30 am today attempting to arrest me without a charge. They have already arrested my brother. I have been in Parliament, and have cooperated with all lawful authorities until now. This is unjust.

— Rishad Bathiudeen (@rbathiudeen) April 23, 2021