21 year old remanded over alleged WhatsApp threats to bomb major religious sites
A 21-year-old man from Ibbagamuwa has been remanded over allegations that he circulated WhatsApp messages threatening bomb attacks on several major religious sites in Sri Lanka.The investigation was launched following a written complaint lodged with the Criminal Investigation Department by the Chief Incumbent of the Rangiri Dambulla Cave Temple, Ven. Dr. Danigama Ananda Thera.
According to the complaint, messages circulated in a WhatsApp group allegedly contained material insulting the Buddha and threats to carry out bomb attacks targeting several prominent religious sites, including the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, Thuparamaya and the Dambulla Cave Temple.Investigators from the CID’s Computer Crime Investigation Division subsequently traced the alleged messages to a 21-year-old resident of Ibbagamuwa.Police said several images depicting distorted representations of the Buddha were also found on the suspect’s mobile phone.During questioning, the suspect had claimed that he circulated the material for entertainment purposes.
The suspect was produced before the Colombo Magistrate’s Court and remanded until October 10
