The mastermind behind smuggling operations for the LTTE and a senior political activist of the organisation, Krishnaneethan, was arrested on Monday at Uchapatti refugee camp near Madurai in Tamil Nadu, police said. Last week, a top LTTE leader was held in Chennai.
Krishnaneethan is the brother of Vijayaneethan, arrested at Uppur near Keezhakarai with three others on Jul 30 for allegedly trying to smuggle sensitive equipment like Swiss-made walkie talkies, 10 global positioning systems, batteries, lifejackets and multitester meters.
Krishnaneethan is also the nephew of Sivanesan, a commander of 'Sea Tigers,' LTTE's naval wing, they said.
He was arrested by the 'Q' branch inteliegence wing of Tamil Nadu police.
Police said Krishnaneethan, his brother and two others Rakshanandhan and Sivaraman were hardcore militants and had escaped from Sri Lanka in the guise of refugees. At that time, the Island police and the Army were specially searching for the two brothers, they said.
All the five were well trained in handling arms and were experts in high-speed navigation, police said, adding that they were also familiar with the Palk Straits and the sea coast in India and Sri Lanka.
Police said they were also looking for a Ramanathapuram district-based businessman, a vital link, who helped them carry out smuggling activities without fear of being caught.
Vijayaneethan, who was living in Thiruvathavur refugee camp in Madurai district, had good contacts all over Tamil Nadu with LTTE sympathisers and refugees and smuggled goods from various points in Tamil Nadu and Kerala, police said.