Six Years Later: Critical Gaps in Easter Attack Probe

COLOMBO (News 1st): Despite six years having passed since the Easter Sunday terror attacks, the Centre for Society and Peace revealed at a press conference that several critical aspects still require thorough investigation to ensure justice is served.

Following extensive investigations and report analyses related to the Easter Sunday attacks, they stated that the Secretary of Defense, the Inspector General of Police, and other investigative bodies have been formally notified of these unresolved issues.

Tharindu Jayawardena, Chairman of the Young Journalists' Association, highlighted five key areas needing further scrutiny:

1. Abdul Latheef Mohamed Jameel: Overlooked in the investigation, Jameel died during the explosion at the Tropical Inn in Dehiwala. Despite being monitored closely by the TID since 2018, his involvement was not uncovered before the attack.

2. Abu Hind: Linked to Zaharan, Abu Hind's true identity remains unknown, and no proper investigation has been conducted. Before Rilwan and others committed suicide, Abu Hind had contacted them. No investigation has taken place over it either. 

3. Sarah Jasmine: Believed to have died, there is substantial evidence suggesting she might still be alive. If not, the identity of the person who escaped needs to be determined.

4. Contradictory Witness Statements: Several witness statements have inconsistencies that have not been addressed.

5. Missing Evidence: Key pieces of evidence, such as Jameel's phone and a T-56 gun seen in a video pledging allegiance to ISIS, have not been located or investigated.

As the sixth anniversary of the Easter Sunday terror attacks approaches, new details have emerged that highlight significant gaps in the investigation. 

The Centre for Society and Peace, during a press conference, emphasized the need for further scrutiny to ensure justice is served.

On April 20th, at approximately 4:17 PM, Abdul Latheef Mohamed Jameel checked into the Taj Samudra hotel. The following morning, he returned to the lobby to request another key, as the original key had not been returned. The whereabouts of this key remain unknown, and investigations have yet to reveal who possessed it.

Between 8:51 and 8:54 AM on the day of the attack, Jameel received a mysterious call, prompting him to leave the hotel. The identity of the caller remains undisclosed. Additionally, at 8:30 AM, Jameel's wife received three voice messages with an unidentified voice in the background. The origin of these messages and the voices involved have not been investigated.

Jameel left his home on April 19th and detonated the bomb on April 21st. Following the attacks, TID officers retrieved the DVR unit from his home. However, video recordings from April 19th until the time the TID officers arrived were erased. Suspiciously, the DVR contained footage of the Directorate of Military Intelligence visiting Jameel's house after the initial explosions, raising concerns about a potential cover-up.

Further, Jameel's phone, which he had when entering the mosque, has not been located or investigated. The T-56 gun seen in a video of Jameel and others pledging allegiance to ISIS also remains missing.

The Centre for Society and Peace calls for a thorough investigation into these unresolved matters to uncover the full truth and ensure accountability.