Another LTTEer arrested in Rameswaram

Another suspected LTTE activist, believed to be a supplier of explosives to the banned group, was arrested by the police in Rameswaram on Sunday when he was heading to the coast from Sri Lanka.

Vaikuntavasan alias Kesavan, hailing from Kulithurai in Jaffna, was arrested after the personnel of the Q-Branch, the Intelligence Wing of the State Police, intercepted a boat close to the shore during a routine patrol, sources said.

The boat crew, Miller, an Indian, was also arrested. Besides, four locals were also taken into custody for questioning. Police seized Rs 10,000 from Kesavan.

Interrogation revealed that Kesavan had regular suppliers of explosives and other essential items at Ramanathapuram and Paramakudi.

He had threatened Miller at gun point to take him to India and had boarded the boat near Irani Thivu. Kesavan had also said he had buried a box in the coastal area before the police could nab him. The contents of the box were not known, the sources said. An agent of LTTE was arrested on Saturday near Mandapam while he was attempting to smuggle diesel for the group.

The Q-Branch has stepped up vigil in the coastal districts in view of reports about smuggling of fuel and essential commodities for the LTTE.

PTI