Eight Sri Lankans Detained by Indian Coast Guard in Ramanathapuram
On Tuesday, October 24, 2023, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) detained eight Sri Lankan individuals and impounded four fiber boats in Ramanathapuram. The IGC surveillance team handed over the detainees to the Mandapam Marine Police for further investigation. Physical checks on the boats did not reveal any contraband. Central and State agencies, along with Q Branch officers, are currently conducting inquiries with the Sri Lankans, who claim to be fishermen stranded in Indian waters due to heavy winds.
Turmeric and Sea-Cucumber Seized in Mandapam
In a separate incident, four residents of Mandapam, Marakayar Pattinam in Ramanathapuram district, were detained by the ICG personnel. They were sailing in a country boat and were found to be in possession of 500 kg of turmeric and 500 kg of sea-cucumber. The detainees were handed over to the Mandapam Forest department officials for questioning.
Following a gold seizure in the region a month ago, Customs unit officers visited the spot and held inquiries with the suspects. It is also being investigated whether the accused individuals had disposed of any gold bars into the sea.
For more details, visit The Hindu.