Indian Coast Guard Arrests Three Sri Lankans Attempting Illegal Entry

• Indian Coast Guard arrests three Sri Lankans attempting to infiltrate Tamil Nadu.
• All three arrestees had prior criminal records involving drug trafficking.
• The individuals aimed to reach Europe via illegal maritime means.

Coast Guard’s Swift Action Prevents Illegal Infiltration

In a notable operation, the Indian Coast Guard apprehended three Sri Lankan nationals early Saturday morning while they were trying to enter Tamil Nadu illegally via the sea. The incident occurred near Dhanushkodi, an area notorious for smuggling activities, primarily due to its close proximity to Sri Lanka. The three individuals, two of whom are Sinhalese and one Tamil, raised alarms due to their criminal backgrounds, particularly connected to drug trafficking.

Criminal Backgrounds Raise Concerns

Upon receiving a tip-off, Coast Guard officials ramped up their surveillance measures and dispatched hovercrafts to patrol the sand ridges in the narrow sea corridor separating the two nations. At approximately 4 AM, they discovered the trio stranded on one of the sandbars, prompting an immediate interception. During interrogation, the individuals identified themselves as Sumith Rolan Fernando and Sahara Gunathilaga, both Sinhalese, alongside a Tamil named Kabilan.

Regional Efforts Against Smuggling and Crime

The authorities disclosed that these three men had reportedly paid a substantial fee of Rs 2 lakh for their perilous journey, planning to reach a European destination via Tamil Nadu. Kabilan, who has a drug-related conviction and is out on bail, was revealed to be among the catch along with the two Sinhalese, who also possess histories of association with the drug mafia. This incident follows a previous case where the Sri Lankan Coast Guard nabbed two more individuals, Immanuel Mushab and Ajithan, under similar circumstances and backgrounds. Following their arrest, the three Sri Lankans were subsequently handed over to the State Marine Police at Mandapam for further interrogation, as the Coast Guard keeps a close watch on areas vulnerable to illegal sea crossings.

The Indian Coast Guard’s recent interception of three Sri Lankan criminals attempting to enter Tamil Nadu highlights the ongoing issue of illegal migration and smuggling in the region. This significant arrest reflects the persistent vigilance by authorities to mitigate unlawful crossings and combat criminal activities in coastal areas. As they continue these efforts, the safety and security of Tamil Nadu’s coastline remain a prime focus for law enforcement agencies.