Groundwork done for confession

MP killed by LTTE claim Police

Sleuths interrogating the suspect who allegedly shot UNP Parliamentarian T. Maheswaran have informed the Government that he had confessed to being a member of the LTTE.

The suspect identified as Wasanthan was arrested soon after the shooting after he too was shot by Maheswaran's bodyguard.

The UNP MP was shot dead while praying at a Kovil in Kotahena on January 1. The sleuths investigating the case have claimed they managed to break the suspect after intense interrogation and that he had claimed to have received orders from the LTTE to assassinate the MP.

According to the police the suspect had said Maheswaran made large financial contributions to the LTTE but had fallen out recently over a financial dispute with the full dues to the organisation not forthcoming. The suspect according to the police had also said the LTTE ordered Maheswaran's killing to pin the blame on the Government following the slashing of his security.

The Sunday Leader learns the suspect is still under interrogation and the police are yet to record his statement.

The UNP earlier called for an Interpol investigation into the murder alleging the Government would attempt to steer it in a direction that would absolve itself of any liability. The party also objected to the IGP Victor Perera visiting the suspect in hospital soon after the incident and identifying him of being a LTTE cadre whilst denying access to UNP MPs who were present at the hospital.