A Colombian colonel charged with corruption and murder involving a far-right paramilitary group has been discharged from the army and handed over to the prosecutor's office, Defense Minister Juan Manuel Santos said on Friday.

"If the prosecutor's office decides to arrest the commander of the 13th mobile brigade, Colonel Hernan Mejia, we will take drastic measures," Santos said at a news briefing.

"After receiving information about the seriousness of the colonel's actions, who was allegedly linked to the Self Defence Forces of Colombia (AUC), investigations began," Santos added.

The colonel, alleged to have connections with former paramilitary chief "Jorge 40", will be investigated for "violating human rights and committing corruption acts," according to the minister.

The removal of the colonel is another development in a series of scandals linked to paramilitary groups. Former paramilitary chief Salvatore Mancuso has told judges that some politicians and army officers provided covert support for the AUC in exchange for large sums of money.

The Colombian government and the AUC signed a peace agreement on July 1, 2004 to demobilize the group's 31,000 fighters. Since then the close links between the paramilitary and certain officials have gradually come to light.

Source: Xinhua