Turkish national booked for not having valid visa

Mahir Devrim from Turkey had landed at the Serankottai beach here from Sri Lanka with the help of fishermen but was caught by police after fishermen alerted them. He was interrogated round the clock. 

Sleuths from central and state investigation agencies continued their investigation in the morning too. 

Also, sleuths attached to the National Investigation Agency joined the probe to determine if Mahir has any terror links. 

Police sources said Mahir and his father were involved in drug smuggling in Turkey and his father was a wanted criminal there. Mahir was also wanted by the Turkish government for supporting his father in smuggling and backing a revolutionary organisation that worked against the government. 

Mahir had left Turkey in 1993 and had travelled to countries including Russia, China, Pakistan, Indonesia and Sri Lanka. He had married a Russian woman but had divorced her. His reason for traveling to all these countries and why he came to India were not clear. 

It was also found that Mahir was financed by one of his brothers, in Indonesia, who was also involved in smuggling drugs. 

Mahir’s luggage also raised suspicion and three stones were recovered from his bag. They were sent to a laboratory for testing. Police sources said Mahir would be lodged in the Puzhal prison.