Fears in Tamil Nadu over LTTE activity
The arrests of a Tiger and four others in Tamil Nadu have fuelled
worries that the LTTE may again be getting active in the sprawling
Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Police say that the five were apprehended in
recent days on charges of transporting explosives and fuel to the LTTE
across the narrow sea dividing Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka.
The police Q Branch - which deals with seditious activities -
revealed Wednesday that it arrested Satheeswaran, 31, Monday as he was
about to depart to Sri Lanka from the port town of Rameshwaram.
Police sources indicated that the accused was one of the mainstays of
the banned outfit's clandestine network in Tamil Nadu responsible for
procuring explosive substances, fuel and medicines. Q Branch officials
are trying to find out if Satheeswaran is connected to the earlier
seizure near Rameshwaram of 3,200 detonators, 21 gelatine sticks as well
as fuse wire.
Director General of Police P. Rajendran said that all groups and
individuals supporting outlawed groups would be rounded up and jailed.
Although the LTTE was not named, it was clear his ire was directed
against the group. Satheeswaran's arrest followed the interrogation of
three Indians and a Sri Lankan, Nakulan, arrested earlier in
Ramanathapuram district.
The police had seized 50 bags of substances like potassium chlorate
and sulphur that are used to make explosives. The accused confessed that
the materials were meant for Satheeswaran. Three mobile phones and a
handbook on bomb making seized during the arrest of Satheeswaran
indicated that he is a hardcore militant, the police said. Besides, his
body bore scars from bullet injuries.
The police sources said the accused was being interrogated and they
hoped to find others linked to him. In the last 14 months, there have
been 11 such seizures.
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