Heightened security arrangements are in place at vital installations across Tamil Nadu consequent to the arrest of S. Arun, a Sri Lankan national, by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in connection with an espionage case.
While ensuring strict access control, security personnel were positioned in close vicinity to such establishments to prevent the movement of unauthorised persons. Security agencies were sensitised to the threats perceived by intelligence agencies, police sources said.
Security was intensified at nuclear power plants, defence establishments, major railway stations, busy commercial streets, malls and important places of worship. Coastal security agencies were alerted to mount vigil along the eastern seaboard, particularly the landing points abutting Thanjavur, Nagapattinam and Ramanathapuram districts.
At the Coast Guard (Eastern Region) headquartered in Chennai, Inspector-General and Commander S.P. Sharma said security was intensified on the premises with more of armed guards and surveillance cameras. “We have introduced a Standard Operating Procedure when it comes to handling visitors. The credibility and credentials of all visitors are thoroughly scrutinised. Mobile phones/cameras have to be deposited at the entry point itself,” he said.
The NIA booked Arun Selvarajan under various provisions of the IPC and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967. Investigators said he would soon be taken into custody for further interrogation on the spying network, the sources added.
