Maoists' rocket launcher case: TN completes probe

Madurai, Nov 8 (UNI) Tamil Nadu DGP D Mukherjee today said state police had completed investigation into the clandestine production of rocket launchers and ammunition by Maoists of Andhra Pradesh.

Addressing media here after a review meeting with police officials of the southern districts, he said if requested, state police was ready to handover the case to Andhra Pradesh counterparts.

The nature of the case was such that the probe carried out in Tamil Nadu was very limited in scope, he said and added that a major part of the investigation had to be done in Andhra Pradesh. The police here had accomplished their task, the police chief noted.

A seizure of rocket launchers and ammo in Andhra Pradesh had led to police tracing the manufacture of the arms to Chennai.

To a question, Mr Mukherjee said the police machinery had been geared up to thwart possible infiltration by LTTE cadre from Sri Lanka in the guise of refugees. Besides enhanced monitoring, suspects were being questioned at special camps, it was pointed out.

The Coast Guard too had strengthened surveillance along the coast, he added.

On modernisation of the police force, the DGP said Rs 64 crore had been allocated for the purpose and immediate priority was providing building infrastructure for personnel.

He said efforts were on to ensure that police personnel received medical insurance claims at the earliest without any delay.

UNI CR AA VA GC2107