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Tamil Nadu Fishermen Returned to Chennai After Release from Sri Lankan Custody: each paid a fine of 5 lakh Sri Lankan rupees

By Gireesh Vasishta
Tamil Nadu Fishermen Returned to Chennai After Release from Sri Lankan Custody: each paid a fine of 5 lakh Sri Lankan rupees

After serving time and paying the fines—starting from August 14 for the first batch—they were transferred to Welikada prison and later to a detention camp in Colombo. The Indian High Commission in Colombo facilitated their handover to Indian authorities by issuing emergency travel documents, allowing them to board an Air India flight back to Chennai.

Chennai, September 16, 2025 – In a relief for families back home, 20 fishermen from Tamil Nadu's Ramanathapuram district arrived in Chennai today after being released from Sri Lankan custody. The group, arrested earlier this year for allegedly crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) while fishing, each paid a fine of 5 lakh Sri Lankan rupees (approximately Rs 1.4 lakh) before their release.

The fishermen, hailing from Rameswaram, were apprehended by the Sri Lankan Navy in three separate incidents on June 28, June 30, and July 27. They were produced before courts in Mannar and Puttalam districts and subsequently imprisoned in Vavuniya and Valiya Pora jails. After serving time and paying the fines—starting from August 14 for the first batch—they were transferred to Welikada prison and later to a detention camp in Colombo. The Indian High Commission in Colombo facilitated their handover to Indian authorities by issuing emergency travel documents, allowing them to board an Air India flight back to Chennai.High Court to Deliver Interim Order Today in Illegal Betting Case Involving MLA Veerendra Pappi's Friend & Lawyer Anil Gowda

Upon arrival at Chennai International Airport, the fishermen cleared immigration and customs formalities. They were warmly received by officials from the Tamil Nadu Fisheries Department, who arranged special vehicles to transport them to their hometowns in Ramanathapuram.YOHO Bubbles Men Ortho slippers | Soft comfortable and stylish flip flop slippers for Men in exciting colors |Lightweight | Anti Skid | Daily Use Chappal

This release comes amid escalating tensions over fishing rights in the Palk Strait. Since the annual fishing ban lifted on June 15, the Sri Lankan Navy has seized around 50 fishermen and their boats from Rameswaram. Additionally, 24 Indian fishermen arrested between 2024 and 2025 remain imprisoned in Sri Lanka. Local fishing communities, led by figures like All Fishermen's Association President Sesuraj, staged protests in Thangachimadam recently, demanding swift intervention from the Indian central and state governments. Their calls include the immediate release of detained fishermen, an end to alleged Navy intrusions into traditional Indian fishing grounds, and better protection for livelihoods.