Sri Lanka Hunts for Suspected ISIS Handler Osmand Gerrard

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lankan security forces suspect that an individual by the name of Osmand Gerrard acted as a handler of the four Sri Lankan men who were arrested in India, for suspected links with ISIS.

Sri Lanka Police recently announced a cash award of Rs. 2 Million, for any credible information on the whereabouts of the wanted suspect.

Sri Lanka Police revealed that the wanted suspect Osmand Gerrard often changes his appearances, and these are some of his appearances that detectives suspect he may be using now.

The 46-year-old man is a resident of Dematagoda.

On the 20th of May, the Anti Terrorist Squad of Gujarat apprehended four Sri Lankans at Ahmedabad airport, alleging their affiliation with ISIS.

As investigations unfold, significant facts have come to light through the efforts of Sri Lankan security forces.

Among the arrested individuals, Mohammed Nusrat emerges as a businessman involved in importing telecommunication devices and electrical equipment from countries such as Singapore, Malaysia, and Dubai.

Nusrat operated within Colombo, where he sold these imported goods.

Prior to this recent arrest, Nusrat faced legal trouble in Colombo, and on September 16, 2020, he was taken into custody on charges related to heroin possession and spent time in remand prison.

27-year-old Mohammad Nafran, who was also arrested, has been identified as the son of the first wife of Niyas Naufer aka 'Potta Naufer' the notorious underworld criminal who was sentenced to death for the killing of High Court Judge Sarath Ambepitiya.

Nafran’s early entrepreneurial endeavors involved bringing clothing material and chocolates from countries such as India and Dubai.

He commenced this business venture at the age of 16, working alongside his mother.

However, in 2017, Nafran was arrested by the Sri Lanka Police on charges related to the National Gem and Jewellery Authority Act.

The other two Sri Lankans, are 35-year-old Mohammad Faris from Maligawatte, Colombo and 43-year-old Mohammad Rashdeen from Colombo 13.

Mohammad Faris had worked as a 'Nattami' or cart puller in Pettah, and was arrested by the Colombo Crimes Division on the 11th of March 2023, and 1st of November the same year.

On the 21st of May, his close associate Hameed Amir was arrested by the Terrorist Investigations Division.

Mohammad Faris had left for Chennai, India on the 19th of May.

The other suspect is Mohammad Rashdeen, a three-wheeler driver.

Security forces suspect that he is linked to trafficking crystal meth, or ICE.

On the 16th of September 2022, Rashdeen was arrested by the Foreshore Police and was later released on bail.

India's The Hindu reported that the four Sri Lankans who were arrested, belong to the National Thawheed Jamaath organization.

Indian media also reported that the arrested men wanted to "teach a lesson" to Jews, Christians and the members of the BJP and RSS.

Indian Police said the four men "had been in touch with a man named Abu in Pakistan through social media, and Abu encouraged them to carry out a terror attack in India.