Record interception rate this year, says ADGP

CHENNAI: In the 48-hour-long Operation Hamla, the third massive anti-terrorist search-and-secure operation conducted across the State, the police were able to attain 82 per cent interception rate, ADGP (L&O) A George announced here on Thursday. According to him, this was the highest success rate as compared to the previous two operations carried out in 2010.During the 48-hour mock drill, fake terrorists attempted to enter the State either through the sea or land route. “We have strengthened the security operations across the State and all the wings, including the coastal security guards, kept strong vigil,” said the ADGP.He told Express that it was the cooperation of fishermen that helped the police check the infiltration of these fake terrorists before they could reach the targeted place. “The training imparted to the fishermen has yielded positive results,” he added.In Chennai alone, the police nabbed 19 such ‘terrorists’. Meanwhile, eight persons who attempted to enter via a boat through the Kasimedu fishing harbour were also apprehended. Four others attempted to make landfall from a boat at Pattinambakkam but the cops were able to nab only two of them, said the senior police officer.He informed that the operation would continue till Friday afternoon, while adding that it could be extended till night.