Dec 21, Colombo: Breakaway rebel leader Karuna Amman who is living in the United Kingdom now is to be investigated for possible war crimes, a British daily The Times said in a report today.

Karuna was the former Batticaloa - Ampara district commander of the LTTE and the leader of the Tamil Makkal Viduthalai Pulikal (TMVP), the political party he formed after leaving LTTE in 2003.

Human rights groups have accused Karuna and his armed group of serious atrocities including extrajudicial killings, torture and abductions of civilians and recruiting child soldiers. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has accused Karuna of killing local journalists who oppose his point of view.

Karuna has categorically denied these allegations in interviews claiming the LTTE is trying to discredit his party.

The Crown Prosecution Service is looking into whether there is sufficient evidence to bring him to trial under international laws on war crimes, torture and hostage-taking, the Times report said.

‘Col.’ Karuna who was arrested on November 2nd for traveling on a forged passport has reportedly entered Britain on a genuine Sri Lanka diplomatic passport and with a British entry visa. Sri Lankan media reported that the visa was obtained from the British High Commission in Colombo on a third person note sent by the Sri Lanka Foreign Ministry.

Karuna has requested political asylum in Britain after his arrest.