3 refugees held for bid to sail illegally to Lanka

The trio were moving in a suspicious manner in Rameswaram in Ramanathapuram district. Inspector of Police Kanagaraj, Rameswaram Coastal Security Group, when contacted, said the trio were Sri Lankan refugees.

Acting on a tip off, the Coastal Security Group personnel along with the ‘Q’ Branch police personnel arrested them near Rameswaram bus stand. Those held were identified as S Varasunan (30), who resided at CR camp, Thoppaiyar, Dharmapuri district, J Arul Vasanthan (42), inhabitant of a refugee camp at Saravananpatti, Coimbatore and K Mayuran (28), who camped at Gummidipoondi near Chennai, sources said.

Investigations revealed that these refugees held in detention had earlier maintained contact with one Nandha, who was said to be the agent to take them back to Sri Lanka. The agent is believed to have received thousands of rupees from them. However, the agent is absconding and manhunt has been launched. The refugees were not in possession of any valid documents. They were taken to Rameswaram station for further inquiries.

Moreover, the District ‘Q’ Branch police have also joined the investigation, sources said.