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Four fishermen from Andhra Pradesh are finally heading home after 52 days in a Sri Lankan jail. They got arrested back on August 4 when their boat accidentally drifted into Sri Lankan waters due to a GPS malfunction. After a court ordered their release on September 12, it took some time to sort out all the paperwork and procedures. Now they're sailing back to Kakinada with the Indian Coast Guard making sure they get home safely.

Key Points: Andhra Fishermen Freed from Sri Lanka Jail Return Home September 30

  • Fishermen arrested on August 4 after GPS error caused drift into Sri Lankan waters
  • Released from Jaffna Jail following September 12 court order
  • Repatriated via sea route with Indian Coast Guard escort to Kakinada
  • Andhra government officials coordinated with Indian High Commission for release
  • Sri Lankan Navy handed over fishermen at International Maritime Boundary Line
  • Procedural delays extended detention until final release on September 26
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Released from Sri Lankan jail after 52 days, 4 Andhra fishermen to return on September 30

Four Andhra fishermen released from 52-day detention in Sri Lankan jail after GPS error led to arrest. They are returning to Kakinada escorted by Indian Coast Guard.

"secured safe repatriation of four fishermen in close cooperation with the government of Sri Lanka - Indian High Commission"

Amaravati, Sep 28

Four fishermen from Andhra Pradesh, who were released after 52 days of detention at the Jaffna Jail in Sri Lanka, will return home on September 30.

The boat carrying the fishermen sailed from the Sri Lankan shore for Kakinada on September 27.

K. Srinu Venkateswar, Karri Nookaraj Borriya, Chanda Nageswara Rao and Brahmanandam were handed over to Indian authorities on Friday.

They were deported following efforts by the state government officials in Andhra Pradesh Bhavan in New Delhi.

The Sri Lankan Coast Guard handed over the fishermen to the Indian Coast Guard at Mandapam Camp on September 26, and from there they left for Kakinada.

According to information reaching here, the fishermen were repatriated through sea route as per the Sri Lankan rules. The Indian Coast Guard unit was escorting them to Kakinada.

The fishermen had sailed to Nagapattinam to purchase a second-hand fishing trawler, but while returning home, they drifted in Sri Lankan waters due to a GPS error.

The Sri Lankan Navy arrested the fishermen on August 4, and since then, they have been lodged in the Jaffna Jail.

A civil court in Jafna on September 12 had ordered the release of Andhra fishermen. As per the court order, the fishermen were handed over at the International Maritime Boundary Line.

The Indian High Commission in Colombo initiated efforts for their return after AP Bhavan took up the issue with the Ministry of External Affairs.

According to Rajya Sabha member Sana Satishbabu, ICG took up the matter with the attention of Sri Lankan Coast Guard Commander Dinesh Jay.

However, procedural delays stalled the repatriation of the fishermen till September 26.

The High Commission posted that it secured safe repatriation of four fishermen in close cooperation with the government of Sri Lanka and with the support of the Indian and Sri Lankan Navies and Coast Guards.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
This happens too often with our fishermen. GPS errors shouldn't lead to 52 days in jail! Our government needs better systems to prevent these incidents. Still, good work by AP Bhavan and Indian High Commission for bringing them back.
S
Suresh O
As someone from coastal Andhra, I know how risky fishing can be. These men were just trying to buy a second-hand boat for their livelihood. The procedural delays of 14 days after court order were unnecessary. Hope they get compensation for their ordeal.
M
Michael C
Good to see diplomatic channels working effectively between India and Sri Lanka. The cooperation between coast guards and navies shows positive bilateral relations. Hope the fishermen receive proper medical check-up after their detention.
A
Ananya R
Can't imagine what their families went through for nearly 2 months! 😔 The government should provide better GPS systems to fishermen along coastal areas to prevent such incidents. Happy they're coming home finally!
K
Karthik V
While I'm happy they're returning, why does it take so long for simple cases? The court ordered release on Sep 12, but they're only returning on Sep 30. Our systems need to be more efficient in helping citizens abroad.

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