This Article is From Jul 08, 2010

Fisherman killed in alleged attack by Lankan Navy

Nagapattinam (Tamil Nadu): A 55-year-old fisherman from Tamil Nadu was killed and three others injured when they were attacked allegedly by Sri Lankan naval personnel off Kodiakarai coast here.

Fisheries department officials said the attack took place around 10 PM last night when eight fishermen in two boats were fishing in Indian waters.

About 20 Lankan Navy personnel in a fast boat approached their vessels, fired warning shots in the air and then asked them to raise their hands, they said. Six of them jumped into the boats, throwing away their catch and seizing their mobile phones and other communication equipment, they said.

The fishermen were forced to strip and then attacked with iron rods, they claimed. One fisherman Chellappan (53) died of serious injuries, while three others were injured, they said,
adding that the naval personnel later left the area.

The seven fishermen returned to shore this morning and lodged a complaint with the fisheries department and Coastal Security Group of Tamil Nadu Police. 
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