TN fisherman injured in 'attack' by Sri Lankan Navy

Rameswaram (TN), Nov 22: A fisherman from here was injured in an alleged mid-sea attack on a group of Indian boats by Sri Lankan naval personnel near Katchatheevu early this morning, police and fisheries officials said.

The Lankan naval men allegedly attacked a boat carrying four Indian fishermen by pelting stones and bottles.

One fisherman identified as Muthu was injured in the forehead while the other managed to escape unhurt, they said.

The fishermen retracted to the shores here and the injured has been admitted to the Government Hospital in Ramanathapuram.

Doctors sutured a long cut injury in the forehead of Muthu, police said. They said a complaint had been registered and investigations were on. Assistant Director of Fisheries Gopinath said many boats were damaged in the attack.

Nets of more than 30 fishing boats had been damaged in the attack, he said. Local fishermen association President S Emiret described it as a 'brutal' attack. The incident comes three days after Sri Lankan naval personnel arrested 14 Tamil Nadu fishermen for allegedly violating the International Maritime Boundary Line and entering the island waters.

Sri Lanka on November 13 had released 126 Tamil Nadu fishermen, arrested in recent months for allegedly fishing in the island waters.

PTI