TN Fisherman Dies After Sri Lankan Navy Rams Into Boat Allegedly For Crossing Maritime Border, 2 Arrested

Currently, the two fishermen who were reportedly detained in Kankesanthurai in Jaffna are in the custody of the SL Navy, 

A fishing vessel with fishermen mid-sea (Image for representation)

Chennai: A fisherman from Tamil Nadu drowned mid-sea after a Sri Lankan Navy vessel rammed into their boat during a chase on Monday. The Sri Lankan Navy also arrested two other fishermen who were on the boat for reportedly crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL). 

According to a report on IANS, three fishermen identified as Rajkiran (30), Suganthan (23), Arockia Xavier (32) went fishing into the sea for fishing and were involved in fishing near IMBL at Katchatheevu. However, a Sri Lankan Navy vessel spotted them and started following them. On seeing this, the fishermen tried to escape but the SL Navy rammed into the boat. 

In the impact, Rajkiran fell into the sea while the Navy personnel arrested two others reportedly for crossing IMBL. 

Talking to The Hindu, M Chinnakuppam, Assistant Director Of Fisheries In Pudukottai said, the body of Rajkiran has been recovered mid-sea and they have sent the body for autopsy to a hospital in Kankesanthurai of Jaffna and the Department is involved in bringing back the body of the deceased to his hometown as soon as possible.

Meanwhile, the Sri Lankan Navy issued a statement that the two fishermen, who were reportedly "rescued" from a sinking vessel, were involved in poaching activities in Sri Lankan waters. However, the third fisherman went missing and the search is on to nab him. 

It said, the Navy was chasing a vessel with “aggressive maneuvers” since the Indian fishermen refused to surrender, which then lead to the collision. 

Currently, the two fishermen who were reportedly detained in Kankesanthurai in Jaffna are in the custody of the SL Navy,