Rameswaram fishermen who were arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy on June 30, 2025. Photo: Special Arrangement
Seven fishermen from Rameswaram were arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy on Monday (June 30, 2025) night on charges of poaching in international waters.
According to sources, as many as 106 mechanised secured tokens from the Fisheries Department for fishing on Monday (June 30, 2025).
Around 11 p.m., a boat owned by S. Arockiya Danis of Thagachimadam was held by Sri Lanka as the boat allegedly crossed the International Maritime Boundary Line.
Along with the boat, seven fishermen — S. Ferik, Sasikumar, Seenu, all of Thangachimadam, Mukkuran, Saravanan, Kalidas and Sendhil of Rameswaram — were also arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy.
Following their arrest from the region between Danushkodi and Thalaimannar, they were taken to Thalaimannar, sources added.
Second arrest in a week
This is the second such case within a week. Sri Lankan Navy personnel had arrested eight Indian fishermen from Rameswaram and seized a mechanised trawler on charges of poaching in the wee hours on June 29.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin wrote to Union Minister of External Affairs S. Jaishankar requesting to ensure the safe repatriation of the arrested fishermen and their fishing boat; and to initiate proactive diplomatic engagement with the Sri Lankan authorities in the handling of fishing-related issues.
Published – July 01, 2025 10:45 am IST