The Indian Coast Guard has arrested three Sri Lankan nationals-two Sinhalese and one Lankan-Tamil while they attempted to infiltrate Tamil Nadu by sea in the early hours of Saturday. The arrest took place near Dhanushkodi, a region infamous for smuggling and other cross-border illegal activities due to its proximity to the Sri Lankan coast.
Acting on a tip-off, the Coast Guard intensified surveillance and deployed hovercrafts to patrol the sand ridges that naturally formed in the narrow sea corridor between India and Sri Lanka. Around 4 AM, officials spotted and intercepted three individuals stranded on the fourth sand ridge.
Upon questioning, the individuals identified themselves as Sumith Rolan Fernando, Sahara Gunathilaga, both Sinhalese, and Kabilan, a Lankan Tamil.
“The three had reportedly paid Rs 2 lakh and left Pechalai district by 9 pm Friday night and reached the ridge by 4 am and had further planned to leave for a European nation through Tamilnadu,” said officials.
Kabilan was previously arrested in a drug-related case and is currently out on bail. The two Sinhalese also have criminal records linked to the drug mafia, sources revealed.
In a similar instance earlier, the Sri Lankan Coast Guard had arrested two other individuals: Immanuel Mushab and Ajithan, both with criminal backgrounds, while they were attempting to infiltrate into Tamil Nadu.
The arrested individuals were handed over to the State Marine Police at Mandapam for further investigation. The Coast Guard continues to maintain heightened vigilance along the Tamil Nadu coast, especially in areas vulnerable to illegal sea crossings.
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