Five fishermen were released after a stern warning. (Representational Image)
Ten fishermen from Tamil Nadu were detained by Sri Lankan naval personnel for allegedly fishing in the island nation's waters today. Five of them were released after a stern warning.
The fishermen from Jegadapattinam in the district, put out to sea in two boats and were fishing near Gopuratheevu off Neduntheevu in Sri Lanka when they were taken into custody around 4 am, Fisheries Assistant Director Sekar said.
However, five of them were let off along with their boat and they reached the shores this evening, he said adding they were asked not to venture into Lankan waters.
The other five fishermen have been detained in Kangesanthurai port in Jaffna, the official added.
One of the five persons who returned was stated to be an army jawan hailing from Manalmelkudi near Jegadapattinam, who is on leave, and police were questioning him, sources said.
Earlier information received by the Fisheries authorities in Pudukottai said 12 persons were detained and all were let off.
On October 2, more than 2,000 fishermen from Rameswaram were forced to return without catch after Lankan Naval personnel allegedly attacked them by pelting stones and iron balls near Katchatheevu.