By IANS
Chennai : Following the recovery of five of the six weapons looted from a police station in Dharmapuri district, the Tamil Nadu police Sunday ruled out the hand of Maoists in the incident.
“Though there were reports about a Maoist connection with the whole incident, our investigations have indicated that it could be something else altogether,” P. Rajendran, director general of police (DGP), told IANS.
The weapons went missing Feb 9 from Adhiyaman police station, about 250 km west from here. Five guns were recovered Saturday from a nearby banana farm.
“We have an open mind in the matter. Checks are being done to find out whether it was an attempt to put our force in bad light or an inside job. The men, who were in the police station at Feb 9 night have been ordered to undergo a narco-analysis test,” he said.
“The Chief Minister (M. Karunanidhi) has asked us to leave no stone unturned and we are viewing the matter very seriously. Additional DGP Vijay Kumar is conducting an on-the-spot assessment. We are awaiting the final report of his findings,” Rajendran added.
A walkie-talkie and a musket are still missing. However, the police are hopeful of unearthing them as well.
The issue assumed importance due to reports of increased Maoist activities in Tamil Nadu. Maoists have influence in some parts of Dharmapuri. At least ten similar incidents had been reported in this area in the recent past.
Four policemen, including a sub-inspector, have been placed under suspension since the weapons went missing.
Leader of opposition and AIADMK leader J. Jayalalithaa assailed the government over the incident.