Combing operations in TN forests to flush out suspected Maoists

UDHGAMANDALAM (TN): Combing operations were intensified in Tamil Nadu forests to flush out suspected Maoists after a four-member armed gang threatened a constable with dire consequences if officials of three southern states tried to prevent their activities in tribal areas.

Police said the gang, including a woman, barged into the house of a traffic constable Pramod at Mananthavadi in Kerala yesterday and threatened to kill him if he informed officials about movement of Naxals and their activities among tribals.

The gang also set ablaze his motorcycle, they said. Following the incident, the Special Task Force, aided by local police and forest department officials, intensified combing operations in the border areas of Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka, in search of hideouts of suspected Maoists.

An alert has been sounded at six checkposts in Tamil Nadu area and the forces are on the move in forest areas of Cherampadi, Pandalur and Devala near Gudalur, they said.