The founder of a Tooting Hindu temple has been suspended from its charitable arm after allegations of links with a Tamil terrorist organisation.

Negendram Seevaratnam, who set up the Armulmihu Hindu Temple, in Upper Tooting Road, says he is the victim of Government paranoia about terrorism.

According to Mr Seevaratnam he has been suspended from acting for the temple's charity, Sivayogam, which previously funded five orphanages in Sri Lanka, and the charity's bank accounts have been frozen.

He says that action has been taken by the Charity Commission, an independent organsation which regulates charities, because it says he will not disassociate himself from the Liberation Tigers of Tamil, also know as the Tamil Tigers.

He said: "When you say 'disassociate yourself', there's a presumption that I was already associated. Now if I am not associated, how can I disassociate?"

He added: "This country is in a situation similar to that before the French Revolution. Every man suspects every man and every woman suspects every woman.

"I am not in favour of funding organisations that cause bloodshed, violence or kill. We have been funding orphanages. The devotees of the temple have been giving money to help the orphans in Sri Lanka."

A spokesman for the Charity Commission explained it had launched an investigation into the charity in March following concerns payments were being made to the Tamil Tigers.

He added payments could still be made if evidence was be supplied by trustees showing the money was being used to further the charity's aims.

He said the commission was making every effort to ensure the temple's business could continue as usual.