Special teams set up to crack explosives network

RAMANATHAPURAM: The marine police here have launched a search to apprehend the kingpin of explosives trade and to identify the source of transportation of explosives into the district.The search was launched after the death of three fishermen Nagoor Kani, Kumaravel and Jayachandran in dynamite fishing near Thondi on Thursday.Three others Mani, Kannan and Balu escaped with minor injuries and are absconding. Express had a few years ago exposed the problems caused by dynamite fishing. The article had exposed how some persons had lost their limbs and suffered disfigurement, while using explosives for fishing at Thondi, Thirupalaikudi, Dhanuskodi and other coastal areas.Despite a government ban on dynamite fishing, a group of fishermen were indulging in this unlawful activity.Hence, Amsha Valli, Deputy Superintendent of Police, Coastal Security Group, launched a search operation to apprehend the absconding fishermen and sellers of explosive items. The team has visited Pudukkottai, Thirumayam and other areas to nab the offenders. Sources alleged the Coastal Security Group police have been maintaining vigil only in some areas of the Palk Bay and Gulf of Mannar.Hence, they could not trace how the explosives were transported. Meanwhile, SP Anilkumar Giri told Express that they were on the lookout for the three absconding fishermen.