A Muslim man was arrested for trying to enter the church in Kochchikade

On June 09 a man was arrested by the Foreshore Police for attempting to enter St. Anthony's Church in Kochchikade, Colombo during a service for the 189th annual feast. 

 

 

The man raised suspicion due to his appearance, leading the church guards to subject him to additional scrutiny. Although he presented a national identity card with the name Anthony Tenet, doubts arose about his religious affiliation. 

 

 

Upon further inspection, it was discovered that he possessed a temporary identity card under the name Imtiaz Mohammed Naufar, a 46-year-old individual residing in Matale.

 

 

During questioning, the man revealed that he is married and lives in Agalawatta, Matale. He mentioned that his mother, a Muslim, resides in Mattakkuliya Ferguson Road, while his non-Muslim father was named Johnson Raja. After his father's passing, his mother remarried a Muslim, prompting him to change his name to Mohammed Naufar and relocate to Matale with his wife and children.

 

 

An investigation conducted by the Matale police uncovered a warrant against him for causing damage worth Rs.150,000. Additionally, it was revealed that the man struggles with alcohol addiction and is currently undergoing rehabilitation. Due to his troubles, his wife has separated from him.

 

 

The man claimed that he was traveling on a bus from his mother's residence in Mattakkuliya to the Muslim church in Grandpass when he heard hymns being sung at St. Anthony's church and recalled memories of his father. He stated that he was apprehended by the police when he disembarked from the bus and was en route to the church.

 

 

Authorities have requested reports from various intelligence and investigative divisions regarding the suspicious behavior of the individual. The senior police officer mentioned that the suspect has been remanded until June 19th, pending the receipt of these reports, after being presented to the Colombo Fort Magistrate's Court.