Remand of a Sri Lankan sniper allegedly brought into Maldives as part of an assassination attempt on the president has been extended by an additional 10 days, police announced Saturday.

Confirming the arrest of the Sri Lankan sniper for the first time, police said in a statement in November that the 27-year-old man was arrested on October 24. He has been remanded by the Criminal Court.

Some Sri Lankan media outlets have, however, reported that the man was an importer of Maldives dry fish.

In the latest blow to the case, police announced Sunday that three people arrested for allegedly hiring the Sri Lankan sniper have been released.  A police spokesperson said the the three men arrested on December 17 were released by the Criminal Court for lack of evidence.

Home minister Umar Naseer told reporters on Thursday that investigators have a very solid case concerning the sniper.

“Either way, it was an assassination attempt on the president,” he said.

Reports of the Sri Lankan sniper’s arrest came a day after Maldivian security forces confiscated assault rifles and hand guns in what has been the biggest weapons bust in the country’s history. The weapons had been seized from Hibilhadhoo island in Baa Atoll being developed as a resort.

The army had confirmed that two assault rifles found in the weapons bust belonged to the state armoury.

The items showcased during a press conference included several hand guns, a T56 assault rifle and a MP5 sub-machine gun. In addition, a large quantity of bomb making material were also displayed at the press briefing.

(Haveeru Online)