Archive · 3 Oct 2026
Sixteen Rameswaram Fishermen Return After Release From Sri Lankan Jail
Twenty fishermen from Rameswaram were arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy while fishing at sea.
They were accused of crossing into Sri Lankan waters.
A court in Sri Lanka ordered each fisherman to pay a fine of Rs 50,000 to be released.
Sixteen fishermen paid the fine and were freed.
Four others could not pay and remained in prison.
Indian officials helped the 16 released fishermen prepare to return home.
They flew from Colombo to Chennai on Friday.
Fisheries officials met them at the airport and arranged rides to Rameswaram.
Sixteen of 20 Rameswaram fishermen arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy arrived in Chennai on Friday.
They were arrested in two groups on August 5 and August 12 on charges of crossing the maritime boundary and fishing in Sri Lankan waters.
A Sri Lankan court fined each fisherman Rs 50,000 and ordered their release upon payment.
All 11 arrested on August 5 and five of the nine arrested on August 12 paid the fine and were released; four remained in prison.
After being handed to Indian diplomatic officials, the 16 travelled from Colombo to Chennai and were received by Tamil Nadu Fisheries Department officials.
- Who
- Sixteen fishermen from Rameswaram, arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy.
- What
- They were released after paying court-imposed fines and returned to India.
- When
- They arrived in Chennai on Friday; the arrests took place on August 5 and August 12.
- Where
- They were arrested in Sri Lankan waters and arrived in Chennai after travelling from Colombo.
- Why
- They were arrested on charges of crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line and fishing in Sri Lankan waters.
- Fishermen arrested
- 20
- Fishermen released and returned
- 16
- Fine per fisherman
- Rs 50,000
- Arrest dates
- August 5 and August 12
- Those still imprisoned
- Four fishermen who could not pay the fine
- Return route
- Colombo to Chennai by IndiGo flight