Andhra Pradesh wants rockets seizure case tried there

Andhra Pradesh wants rockets seizure case tried there

K.T. Sangameswaran

Awaiting Tamil Nadu's decision

CHENNAI: With Andhra Pradesh writing to the Tamil Nadu Police to transfer the case relating to the manufacture and transportation of rockets and launchers, which were seized in the neighbouring State in September, the Tamil Nadu Government's decision is awaited in the matter.

Investigation in Tamil Nadu side had been almost completed, highly placed sources told The Hindu.

The `Q' Branch of the Tamil Nadu Police investigated the case, earlier registered by the Ambattur Industrial Estate police station under sections 120 (B), 121 A of the IPC and section 8 (2) of the Arms Act.

Investigations revealed that the components were manufactured by six engineering units located at Mogappair, Korattur and Padi, on Chennai's outskirts.

Subsequent probe showed that Thota Kumara Swamy alias Tech Madhu alias Madhu of Nellore, who belonged to the banned naxalite group of Andhra Pradesh, besides placing orders for the production of the rocket parts in other engineering firms had manufactured some in his own unit, Bharath Fine Engineering, Padi.

The case is that the illegal consignments were sent through Kranti Lorry Transport at Mannurpet, near Ambattur here in August 2005 and May 2006 to Vijayawada and Nellore. Seven persons have been arrested by the Tamil Nadu Police.

Conspiracy

The sources said it would be appropriate if the case were tried in Andhra Pradesh, as the conspiracy was hatched in that State.

In the event of transfer of the case to Andhra Pradesh, documents and other evidence collected here would be sent to that State, where a comprehensive charge sheet would be filed.

The Tamil Nadu Government should take a decision and pass necessary orders if it wanted the transfer, they said.

According to official records of Andhra Pradesh, Madhu was sent by the banned outfit to Chennai to manufacture rocket/rocket launchers under the `Rocket Launchers-I and Rocket Launchers-II projects'.

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