Courts release 99 Indian fishermen

Sri Lankan courts on Wednesday released 99 Indian fishermen who were arrested on various occasions on charges of poaching in the territorial waters of the island nation,The Times of India reported.

These fishermen hailed from Ramanathapuram, Pudukottai, Thanjavur, Nagapattinam and Tuticorin districts of Tamil Nadu. They had been arrested and lodged in jails, starting mid-January.

On Wednesday, 99 fishermen were produced before Sri Lankan courts. Forty four Rameswaram fishermen were produced before a Mannar court, 20 Tuticorin fishermen were produced before a Puthalam court, 27 fishermen from Pudukottai and Thanjavur were produced before a Kytes court while eight Nagapattinam fishermen were produced before a Mallagam court. Based on the release order issued by Sri Lankan government, the courts ordered their release.

The fishermen were handed over to Indian high commission. They are likely to be repatriated in two days, based on weather conditions.
However, four Rameswaram fishermen, who were arrested on April 4, have not been released. They have been remanded in judicial custody till April 19.