Indian Coast Guard Arrests Three Sri Lankans Attempting to…

Indian Coast Guard arrested three Sri Lankans attempting to enter Tamil Nadu by sea.
The individuals were linked to the drug mafia and had prior criminal records.
They reportedly paid Rs 2 lakh for their risky sea journey.
Previous attempts by similar infiltrators were also thwarted by authorities.
The arrested individuals have since been turned over to local police for more investigation.

Indian Coast Guard Foils Illegal Sea Crossing Attempts

The Indian Coast Guard has apprehended three Sri Lankans attempting to infiltrate Tamil Nadu’s shores in the early hours of Saturday. This incident unfolded near Dhanushkodi, a location notoriously known for its smuggling and illicit activities due to its proximity to the Sri Lankan coast. Among those arrested are two Sinhalese individuals and one Tamil speaker, all of whom harbor criminal histories related to drug offenses. Authorities acted swiftly on intelligence received, ramping up surveillance to intercept these infiltrators as they navigated the sea towards India.

Details of the Arrests and Criminal Backgrounds

Initial reports indicate that the individuals—identified as Sumith Rolan Fernando and Sahara Gunathilaga, both Sinhalese, and Kabilan, a Tamil—paid approximately Rs 2 lakh to undertake this perilous journey. They departed from Pechalai district late Friday night with aspirations of reaching a European destination through Tamil Nadu. Notably, Kabilan had previously been arrested in connection with a drug case and is currently out on bail. Further inquiries have revealed that the other two detainees also have ties to the drug trade, raising alarms about the nature of illegal activities in the region.

Ongoing Vigilance Against Sea Infiltrations

This recent bust follows a previous incident where the Sri Lankan Coast Guard apprehended two individuals, Immanuel Mushab and Ajithan, who also had past criminal involvements while attempting to reach Tamil Nadu. The Coast Guard officials handed over the three arrested individuals to the State Marine Police at Mandapam for a deeper investigation into their operations. Vigilance remains at an all-time high along the Tamil Nadu coastline, especially in areas known for their susceptibility to illegal crossings by sea. Authorities are keen on tackling these threats head-on to ensure safety and security in maritime borders.

In summary, the Indian Coast Guard’s recent operation underscores the ongoing challenges posed by illegal sea crossings and the involvement of individuals with criminal backgrounds. The arrest of three Sri Lankan nationals not only sheds light on the smuggling issues but also highlights the cooperative efforts required to tackle such transnational crimes. Authorities continue to strengthen their surveillance efforts along the Tamil Nadu coast to prevent further infiltrations.