Two Lankans arrested for smuggling batteries

Ramanathapuram, Tamil Nadu, Apr 11 (UNI) Intelligence sleuths arrested two Sri Lankan nationals in connection with the recent major haul of batteries by the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) in a mid-sea operation here today.

Police sources said that acting on a tip-off, the intelligence sleuths arrested Sathyaseelan, who is presently housed at the Sri Lankan Tamil Refugee Camp at Salem, and Arumuga Raj, now lodged in the Special Refugee Camp at Mandapam, at Maraikkayarpattinam seashore here. Further investigations were on, the sources added.

The two Lankans were part of a team that had attempted to smuggle over 50,000 batteries to the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) on March three. An Interceptor Vessel of the ICG, in a mid-sea operation, seized 67 cartons of batteries from an out-board engine fitted boat, when it was being smuggled to the island nation.

Already, two persons, including the kingpin behind the smuggling Abdul Kareem, were arrested by the State police in this connection.

Police suspect that the batteries could be used for triggering timer devices, mines and suicide bombs.

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