The Sri Lankan fishermen were arrested by the Coast Guard while fishing off Kodiyakarai in Tamil Nadu. (File photo)
In two separate incidents, nine Sri Lankan fishermen were arrested by the Indian Coast Guard for allegedly fishing in Indian waters, while four fishermen from this coastal hamlet were reportedly beaten up by naval personnel of the island nation off Katchatheevu.
The Sri Lankan fishermen were arrested by the Coast Guard while fishing off Kodiyakarai, Joint director of fisheries department Suburaj said, adding the Coast Guard also seized their two boats.
The fishermen were later taken to Karaikal to be produced before a court, he said.
Meanwhile, four Tamil Nadu fishermen were allegedly beaten up by Sri Lankan naval personnel off Katchatheevu.
S Sagayam, president of Rameswaram fishermen Association said that the four were part of about 2,000 who had put out to sea last night from here in 568 boats.
He said the naval personnel came to the spot in fast boats, attacked the four with plastic pipes, cut the fishing nets of 20 boats and chased them away.
They also snatched the GPS equipment and cellphones from the fishermen, he said.