Fisherman shot dead by Lankan navy

Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, June 3: An Indian fisherman was shot dead by Sri Lankan Navy at mid-sea near Kachatheevu island late last night, official sources said here today.

According to them a group of four fishermen from Thangadehimadam, a coastal hamlet, ventured into the sea in a mechanised boat for fishing.

While they were fishing near Kachatheevu, Sri Lankan navy personnel in a vessel opened fire at them, killing M Sandhya (21) on the spot. The boat also suffered damage due to the indiscriminate firing. However, three other fishermen in the boat managed to escape, the sources added.

The body of the deceased fisherman, brought here this morning, was taken to the Government hospital for post-mortem.

As tension prevailed among the fisherfolk over the incident, police pickets have been posted in sensitive places to prevent any untoward incidents, the sources added.

UNI