After accomplishing the task of putting an end to the menace of forest brigand Veerappan, the Special Task Force is on a new mission in Nagapattinam district in the wake of the tsunami disaster.

About 150 members of the Special Task Force, under the direct supervision of Inspector General of Police George and STF Deputy IG Shanmugavel, are carrying out rescue and relief operations in Porayar, Tranquebar, Chandrapadi, Manickapangu, Poompuhar, Pudupattinam, Madathukuppam, Pazhayar and Thirumulaivasal areas, devastated by the killer tsunamis last week.

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Known for their ability to carry out any job rapidly, these men are engaged in tasks such as cleaning the streets in affected places, clearing debris and removing damaged boats and other fishing equipment strewn on the streets of villages.

The police force in the state is also doing its bit. About 3,000 policemen, led by Tanjore DIG Ramesh Gudawala and Nagai Superintendent of Police Abdul Rahoof, are engaged in relief operations at Nagapattinam, Nagore, Vailankanni, Akkaraipettai and Keechankuppam areas.