STF begins combing operation to flush out suspected terrorists

Periyakulam, Tamil Nadu, Feb 1 (UNI) The Tamil Nadu Special Task Force (STF) personnel have begun massive combing operations in the remote villages and forest areas of Periyakulam in Theni district of Tamil Nadu, following reports of movement of suspicious people.

Police sources said following reports of the movement of suspected Maoists in the forests, STF personnel have begun search operations in Agamalai, Chinnur, Periyur and the forest areas.

Meanwhile, police were interrogating one Nirja Hameed Baig (30), hailing from Maharashtra, for his suspicious movement in Chinnur village here. Baig was caught and handed over to the police by the residents of Chinnur village yesterday, while his associate managed to escape.

Police interrogation revealed Baig had come to Tamil Nadu in search of job. However, he refused to divulge any details about his escaped associate. The Tamil Nadu police have sought the help of Maharashtra police to check the antecedents of Baig. His photo was sent to Maharashtra police through e-mail, the sources added.

The STF had arrested five Maoists, including a Chhattisgarh-based hardcore extremist on December 19 last in remote Pallathur village in Varushanadu hills of Theni district, after an exchange of fire, in which two policemen and three of the detained men were injured.

Police had seized three guns and explosives from the arrested Maoists.

UNI GSM AM HT1812