Muthalif was a growing threat to the LTTE

The Army's slain top sleuth Lt.Col. T.N.Muthalif was in all probability killed by the Tigers because of his growing threat to their interests, army sources said.

The sources said it was undoubtedly a case of fearing a man who had acquitted himself outstandingly in crucial confrontations against the LTTE in Vadamaarachchi and the North -east theatre - performances which won him several top Army awards for bravery in the field. It is believed that the LTTE might have suspected him of masterminding the recent attacks on the LTTE political offices in Batticaloa and Kilinochchi and fear of more attacks might have motivated the killing.