Despite the claim of tight vigil by naval and coast guard personnel following an alert about possible infiltration of terrorists through the sea, a Sri Lankan Tamil managed to sneak into the island by a high-speed boat early on Wednesday morning.

Police said they arrested Chellakrishnan of Pesalai in Sri Lanka following a tip-off by a local resident shortly after he was dropped at Arichalmunai by the boat, police said.

The boat which dropped him managed to go back. He had come in a high speed boat and that might be the reason why the coastal security police and coastguard and even Navy would have missed the craft, said an official.

Patrolling along the shores and in the sea has been strengthened since last month after an intelligence alert that terrorists might enter the country from Sri Lanka through the Palk Strait and attack the Lord Ramanathaswamy temple, Madurai and Mayiladuthurai.

During questioning, the Sri Lankan national claimed that he was staying in Tiruchirappalli and had left for Sri Lanka by a ferry some time ago and returned now. He had also said he used to undertake frequent trips to his country.

Police said investigations were on into his claims. (Source: The Hindu)