The five Sri Lankan Tamils and four Keralites who were arrested on Monday (26) for cheating 34 Sri Lankans at refugee camps in Tamil Nadu are suspected to have had LTTE links. The officials have sought the assistance of Tamil Nadu Q branch in this regard, reports the Indian Broadcasting Network (IBNLive.com), a major Indian television news channel.

Ernakulam Rural SP Harshita Attaluri told ‘Express’ that nine persons, including the agents are suspected to have some connections with the LTTE in the past. “The arrested were quizzed in Kalamassery police camp. We keep them under the suspicion and nothing can be confirmed unless the Tamil Nadu Q branch personnel interrogate them. The Q branch officials will arrive here by tonight or tomorrow early morning. The rescued Lankans will be sent back to their respective camps,” Harshitha Attaluri said.

The Indian Crime Branch and intelligence officials said that most of the refugees admitted that they are not happy with the circumstances in the refugee camps and want to get out from there.

It is learnt that the agents demanded Rs. 2-4 lakhs for transporting them to Australia, states the television channel.