THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The police would continue the anti-Maoist operations until the end of insurgent activities in the state, Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala has said. He said that the CPI Maoists who function in the Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu borders were a threat to the internal security of the state. “But, the recent arrests of some insurgents including Roopesh, the alleged coordinator of the Western Ghats special zonal committee of CPI (Maoist), and four others, were a setback to the insurgents,” he said.
“The police would continue with the anti-insurgent activities. As part of this, investigation into the cases, in which the arrested persons are accused, would be expedited,” Chennithala said. He said that around 18 cases had been registered in various police stations in the state against the arrested persons.
The police would seek their custody to collect evidence. ADGP Crimes, ADGP North Zone and ADGP South Zone have been directed to take steps in this regard.The state police have already arrested around 10 persons accused in the Maoist attacks in urban areas of the state. The Minister said the arrests of Roopesh and others were the result of the coordinated efforts of the police forces of southern states and Central Intelligence agencies. He added that the timely and effective intervention of the police saved the state from becoming a hotbed of insurgent activities like Chhattisgarh or Odisha.
Cops Seek Intel from Tribals
Coimbatore: Following the arrest of the five Maoists from the ourskirts of the city recently, a group of policemen from Vadakkipalayam near Pollachi, visited tribal villages on Tamil Nadu-Kerala border to sensitise people on Maoist intrusions. A police team led by Special Sub-Inspector Nagarathinam visited Ammapatti Colony on Friday evening and asked the tribals not to give shelter to strangers.