Will Four Andhra Fishermen Finally Return Home After 52 Days in Sri Lanka?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
After enduring 52 days in a Sri Lankan prison, four fishermen from Andhra Pradesh are finally heading home. Their journey back on September 30 marks a significant moment of relief for their families and the state government, who worked tirelessly for their release. How did their ordeal unfold in the waters of Sri Lanka?
Key Takeaways
- The fishermen were detained for 52 days in Sri Lanka.
- They were arrested due to a GPS error.
- Efforts by the Indian government played a key role in their release.
- They are set to return home on September 30.
- The collaboration between Indian and Sri Lankan authorities was significant in this case.
Amaravati, Sep 28 (NationPress) Four fishermen hailing from Andhra Pradesh have been freed after spending 52 days in detention at the Jaffna Jail in Sri Lanka. They are set to return to their homeland on September 30.
The vessel transporting the fishermen departed from the Sri Lankan coast en route to Kakinada on September 27.
The names of the released fishermen are K. Srinu Venkateswar, Karri Nookaraj Borriya, Chanda Nageswara Rao, and Brahmanandam, and they were transferred to Indian authorities on Friday.
Efforts by state government officials at Andhra Pradesh Bhavan in New Delhi led to their deportation.
On September 26, the Sri Lankan Coast Guard handed the fishermen over to the Indian Coast Guard at Mandapam Camp, from which they proceeded to Kakinada.
Reports suggest the fishermen were repatriated via sea in line with Sri Lankan regulations, with an Indian Coast Guard unit ensuring their safe passage to Kakinada.
The fishermen had initially sailed to Nagapattinam to acquire a second-hand fishing trawler, but unfortunately drifted into Sri Lankan waters due to a GPS malfunction on their return journey.
The Sri Lankan Navy apprehended them on August 4, and they have since been held in Jaffna Jail.
A civil court in Jaffna issued an order for their release on September 12, stipulating their handover at the International Maritime Boundary Line.
Following the intervention of the Indian High Commission in Colombo and the Ministry of External Affairs, efforts began to facilitate their return.
Rajya Sabha member Sana Satishbabu revealed that the Indian Coast Guard brought the situation to the attention of Sri Lankan Coast Guard Commander Dinesh Jay.
However, bureaucratic delays postponed their repatriation until September 26.
The High Commission reported successful coordination with the Sri Lankan government and assistance from both Indian and Sri Lankan naval forces for the safe repatriation of the four fishermen.
Point of View
It is crucial to highlight the collaborative efforts between the Indian and Sri Lankan governments that led to the release of these fishermen. This case underscores the importance of diplomacy and the need for clear communication across maritime boundaries. Moving forward, both nations must work to prevent such incidents, ensuring the safety and security of fishermen in these waters.
NationPress
28/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
How long were the fishermen detained?
The fishermen were detained for 52 days at Jaffna Jail in Sri Lanka.
What led to their arrest?
The fishermen drifted into Sri Lankan waters due to a GPS error while returning from Nagapattinam.
When are they expected to return home?
They are scheduled to return to Andhra Pradesh on September 30.
What role did the Indian government play in their release?
The Indian High Commission in Colombo coordinated with the Sri Lankan authorities to facilitate their release.
What was the legal outcome regarding their detention?
A civil court in Jaffna ordered their release on September 12, leading to their eventual repatriation.
