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3 arrested in connection with ex-LTTE cadre’s killing in Mannar
View(s):Three people have been arrested in connection with the murder of a former LTTE cadre in Mannar earlier this week, and the suspected murder weapon recovered as police continue to investigate the motive for the killing.
Krishnasamy Ponnuthurai, 48, and the father of two, died instantly, when he was hit by a rifle bullet around midnight on Thursday, in the village of Vellankulam in Mannar, police said.
The fatal shooting is the first since the end of the ethnic conflict in 2009, according to police.
They added that the victim was a former LTTE policeman who was released from custody after successful rehabilitation, and was employed as a mason in the area.He was also the beneficiary of a house provided by the Indian government.
The suspected murder weapon- a Chinese-built T.56 assault rifle, was recovered some 200 metres from the scene of the shooting, and the suspects allegedly behind the killing were described as fellow villagers, police said.
Investigations also revealed that two unidentified persons are known to have visited the victim’s home two days prior to the shooting, and had made inquiries from the victim’s spouse.
Police are probing the killing with an open mind including a possible political motive, as the victim had campaigned for the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) at the last Provincial Council elections.
Earlier, Mannar Magistrate, K. Jeewarani also visited the scene and instructed the police.
Mannar Police are conducting further investigations into the incident.
(LB)