Nagapattinam, Tamil Nadu: Eight fishermen from Tamil Nadu were injured when they were attacked allegedly by their Sri Lankan counterparts at mid-sea off Kodiakarai coast in the district, officials said today.
The fishermen belonging to Keechankuppam hamlet had put out to sea from Nagapattinam on 18 February and were engaged in deep sea fishing south east of Kodiakarai on Wednesday night when the Sri Lankan fishermen on board six fast crafts surrounded them and hurled petrol bombs on their boats, they said.
A fishing boat anchored in Nagapattinam. Reuters
Then they jumped onto the Indian fishermen’s boat and attacked the eight occupants with sickles before taking away the fish catch, communication equipment and other valuables.
Three of the victims with serious injuries have been admitted to the government hospital here and others were treated as outpatients, officials said.
Fisheries Minister KA Jayapaul visited the hospital and enquired about the condition of the three fishermen. He said Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa would be apprised of the incident for necessary action.
The eight fishermen were rescued and brought to the shore this morning by their colleagues who were fishing in the vicinity.
PTI