Refugee row delays return of 109 fishermen freed by Lanka

According to sources, the refugee is wanted in two police cases in India. As per norms, the officials will have to ensure that all those arrested and released by the island nation should be properly shown in the records. The Sri Lankan government initially planned to release a total of 113 fishermen. However, one of the fisherman’s son died and his family requested the island nation government to release him. 

So, the aggrieved fisherman along with three others, including the refugee, was released as all of them were arrested from the same boat. In a bizarre turn, Pradeep, the refugee, who was one among the four fishermen, claimed that he was a Sri Lankan citizen doesn’t want to go back to India. 

He had even threatened to commit suicide by jumping from the boat if he was sent to Tamil Nadu. Even as the refugee’s case remained unresolved, the Sri Lankan government released the remaining 109 fishermen. 

But they are stranded in the Indian embassy because of the controversy over Pradeep’s return. Sources said that Pradeep, who was an inmate of the Salem camp, has two police cases against him and the Indian government was keen on bringing him back. The Indian embassy officials were at present holding talks with the Lankan officials to take Pradeep back to India.