Indian fishermen assaulted by Lankan Navy

Rameswaram, Oct 21 (UNI) Four Indian fishermen were allegedly assaulted and their belongings worth Rs five lakh seized by the Sri Lankan Navy, while fishing near Katchatheevu along the international maritime boundary line here late last night, official sources said today.

About 700 boats had ventured into the sea for fishing yesterday from Rameswaram. A group of fishermen were intercepted by the Navy personnel in two boats, sources said.

They allegedly assaulted four of them with sticks and took away their fishing nets and catch. They were also warned of dire consequences, if found fishing again in that area, the sources added.

Earlier, three Indian fishermen were hurt and their belongings seized allegedly by the Lankan Navy on October 13.

In an another incident, a group of fishermen hailing from the state were fired on by the Lankan Navy off Kodiakkarai coast in Nagapattinam district. However, they escaped by jumping into the sea.

UNI