According to Tamil Nadu police the arrested Krishnaneethan is the brother of Vijayaneethan who was arrested at Uppur near Keezhakarai with three others on July 30 for allegedly trying to smuggle sensitive equipment like Swiss made walkie talkies, 10 global positioning systems, batteries, lifejackets and multitester meters.

Police said Krishnaneethan, his brother and two others Rakshanandhan and Sivaraman were hardcore militants and had escaped from Sri Lanka in the guise of refugees. At that time, the Sri Lankan police and the Army were specially searching for the two brothers, they said.

All the five were well trained in handling arms and were experts in high-speed navigation, police said, adding that they were also familiar with the Palk Straits and the sea coast in India and Sri Lanka.

Police said they were also looking for a Ramanathapuram district based businessman, a vital link, who helped them carry out smuggling activities without fear of being caught.

Vijayaneethan, who was living in Thiruvathavur refugee camp in Madurai district, had good contacts all over Tamil Nadu with LTTE sympathisers and refugees and smuggled goods from various points in Tamil Nadu and Kerala, police said.