A YOUNG woman who reported her husband was killed in the tsunami disaster has been arrested by Kent Police on suspicion of deception.

The investigation by detectives follows claims that her husband is still alive.

Yohini Shanthakumaran, of Cirrus Crescent, Gravesend, who was released on police bail after questioning, reported her husband had been lost in the Sri Lankan tragedy after visiting the area while on a holiday with the couple’s only son.

Mrs Shanthakumaran said she had received no word from him since he went to visit acquaintances in the coastal town of Trincomalee, on Christmas Eve 2004.

Following the disaster, Mrs Shanthakumaran, contacted Gravesend Citizen’s Advice Bureau saying her baby was stranded in Sri Lanka and she was unable to find the funds to fly him home.

Her plight was highlighted by the Gravesend Messenger in April last year prompting an anonymous donor to offer funds for the child’s flight back to the UK.

However, the donation was put on hold, until any investigation was completed. The child is now living with his mother in the UK after she travelled back to Sri Lanka to be reunited with him.

When questioned by the Gravesend Messenger, Mrs Shanthakumaran confirmed she was to return to Gravesend Police Station in March but declined to comment further.

FULL STORY IN THIS WEEK'S GRAVESEND MESSENGER