Tamil Nadu - Chennai   

Interrogation of eight persons in iron balls seizure case continues

K.T. Sangameswaran

CHENNAI: Police investigating the seizure of iron balls from a house in Perambalur a few days ago, suspect the involvement of a bigger gang in the smuggling operation to Sri Lanka.

The interrogation of eight people brought to Chennai, continued on Monday, a senior State police officer said.

Those questioned included relatives and labourers of Ramesh Kumar in whose house the 4.5 tonnes of iron balls were found. Ramesh Kumar was running a soap powder unit, police sources said.

The seizure followed the arrest of Arulseelan, a Sri Lankan Tamil, and recovery of Rs.10 lakh and a two-wheeler from him in Tiruchi. His interrogation led to the arrest of another islander Raghulan on March 7.

Based on the information provided by him, the iron balls packed in 150 bags were seized from the house. Later, Pradeepan and Bageerathan, two Sri Lankan Tamils, and Idayathullah of Mannadi who allegedly provided Rs. 17.66 lakh through hawala channel, were arrested. This was followed by the arrest of Raju of Rameswaram.

Temple guide

Police sources said information gathered so far revealed that Raju was a temple guide at Rameswaram who had assisted the group. "We are trying to collect details," the sources said adding that more information would be available once Ramesh Kumar, a friend of Satish who is thought to be in Sri Lanka, was arrested.

Second major seizure

The sources said this was the second major seizure of iron balls, stockpiled for smuggling to Sri Lanka, in recent months.

In January this year, 7.5 tonnes of the material were seized in Chennai and Tuticorin and 12 persons, including five Sri Lankan Tamils, were arrested.

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