Arrests over batteries

[TamilNet, Thursday, 26 February 1998, 23:59 GMT]
A lorry driver and cleaner from Arasaditheevu 20 km southwest of Batticaloa were arrested by the Kalawanchikudy police on Saturday February 21, for transporting goods unofficially banned by the security forces from Kalmunai for an unidentified person, said sources in Batticaloa.

The lorry which belongs to the Arasaditheevu Cooperative Union was transporting five liters of petrol, rolls of barbed wire, two motor cycle tires and torch batteries.

When the police at the checkpoint made inquiries, the lorry driver led the police to those from whom he had made the purchases.

Though the others had acknowledged loading the items on to the lorry, the person who had allegedly sold the batteries, denied any involvement in the operation.

The man whose name was not given, is reputed to be an influential person from Periya Kalaaru and is known as Master.

Since nobody has acknowledged loading the batteries into the lorry, the driver and cleaner remain in the custody of the Kalawanchikudy police.