Overview
- Sri Lankan naval patrols intercepted three mechanised vessels in the Palk Bay and confiscated fishing gear, according to official reports.
- The 35 crew members were taken to Kankesanthurai for questioning and handed to Jaffna Fisheries Department officials, with court production expected.
- Reports differ on the detainees’ home origins, with one account listing 31 from Nagapattinam and four from Ramanathapuram and another citing four from Puducherry.
- Families, fishermen’s associations, and leaders including Anbumani Ramadoss and actor-politician Vijay urged Tamil Nadu and the Centre to secure releases and the return of boats.
- Union representatives cite rough seas and poor navigation for inadvertent crossings and seek renewed India–Sri Lanka talks and joint patrolling to reduce repeat arrests.