Four men arrested for helping Sri Lankan national

RAMANATHAPURAM: The marine police arrested four men who helped a Sri Lankan national to take an illegal ferry from Pamban to Sri Lanka. On Friday, the Indian Coast Guard nabbed the Sri Lankan man near Arichalmunai while he attempted to enter Sri Lanka without valid documents via sea route.
After investigation, the marine police arrested the four accused, including boat owner, A Sachin, 24, of Tsunami kudiyiruppu, local agent N Anandhabala, 40, of Maruthupandiyar Nagar and two helpers S Jegatheesh, 37, and S Arinthas, 38.
Police investigation revealed that the apprehended Sri Lankan man was Janahan Fernando, 39 from Valvettithurai. He went to the United Kingdom and registered himself as a refugee in 2010. He attempted to return to Sri Lanka, but he did not get permission from UK authorities. So, he decided to take an illegal ferry through India.
Janahan reached Chennai by flight and arrived at Pamban on Thursday. He was approaching many people to drop him in Sri Lanka and an illegal ferry operator dropped him at the third sand bar assuring that another ferry will come from Sri Lanka and pick him up.
Based on information from the local fishermen, the Indian Coast Guard officials apprehended Janahan at third sandbar near Arichalmunai on the International Maritime Boundary Line and handed him over to the marine police. Later, Janahan was arrested under Foreigners Act 1946 and Passport Act 1967. A detailed report will be submitted after inquiring about the four accused, said the police.