Guwahati: The Sri Lankan Navy has arrested 12 Rameswaram-based fishermen and seized two boats for allegedly poaching across the border in the Palk Bay.
The incident took place late on Saturday night, with officials alleging that the individuals had been engaged in bottom trawling.
According to reports, they were fishing in 549 boats from Rameswaram.
The arrests were made while they were fishing between Kachchadivu and Dhanushkodi.
The arrestees have been identified as Padhalam, A. Napoleon, P.Jeromiyas, A. Xevier, L. Jemes, M. Rabin, P. Muneswaran, M. Ranjithkumar, R. Ramesh, V. Jothimuthu, N. Muniyasamy, and S. Arokiadas.
According to national media reports, President of Rameswaram Fishermen’s Association N. Devadas said, The Fishermen went fishing in 549 boats from Rameswaram yesterday. While fishing between Kachchadivu and Dhanushkodi at night, the patrolling Srilankan Navy apprehended 12 fishermen and two of their boats.”
Meanwhile, all the fishermen have been taken to Talaimannar Naval Base of Sri Lanka with their boats.
It may be mentioned that this was the third arrest of Indian fishermen in Sri Lankan waters during this month.