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NIA seeks info from SL regarding suspected LTTE members

12 Oct 2021

India’s National Investigation Agency (NIA) has sought information about suspected LTTE members from Sri Lanka under the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT) as part of the probe into the seizure of five AK-47 rifles from a foreign vessel off the Kerala coast in March this year. The agency has also invoked various sections of the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) in the case. On 18 March, a Sri Lankan fishing vessel, Ravihansi, was intercepted by the Indian Coast Guard, from which 300 kg of heroin, five AK-47 rifles, and 1,000 pieces of ammunition were seized. The Narcotics Control Bureau registered a case first following the seizure of heroin and arrested six crew members, all Sri Lankan nationals. The case related to the seizure of AK-47 rifles and ammunition was first registered at Vizhinjam Police Station which was later taken over by the NIA. The national agency has so far arrested 15 persons, of whom 10 are from Sri Lanka, including three staying illegally in India. During the probe, NIA found links of the accused with the LTTE and that the smuggling of drugs and weapons was part of an attempt to revive the proscribed terrorist organisation.  It was also found that many LTTE activists in Sri Lanka are behind the incident. “The NIA has sent a letter to the Sri Lankan Government invoking MLAT to get information about the suspects in the case. The letter contains a list of suspects who are in Sri Lanka and have been associated with the LTTE movement,” according to a source. “The whereabouts of the three Sri Lankan nationals who have been staying illegally are being sought. As Sri Lankan Police are co-operating with the Indian agency, a report about the suspects is expected soon. Earlier, NIA had used the MLAT provision to get information from Sri Lanka in terrorism cases registered in India.” (New Indian Express)  


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