Sri Lankan court releases four Telugu fishermen

Four Telugu fishermen, including three from Andhra Pradesh and one from Yanam of Puducherry Union Territory, have been released by a Sri Lankan court, after their fishing vessel allegedly drifted across the International Maritime Boundary Line, said an official on Friday.

According to police, the Sri Lankan Navy apprehended them on September 3 while they were sailing off the Kanyakumari coast in Tamil Nadu.

“Four fishermen have been released by the Sri Lankan



court and they will soon be handed over to Indian authorities,” the official told news reporter.

After verifying documents and antecedents, Sri Lankan authorities issued their release orders on Thursday, confirming no evidence of illegal fishing or bottom trawling activities, police said.

Following completion of formalities, the fishermen and the seized boat will be handed over to Indian Coast Guard or Naval authorities within the coming week, the official added.