Kerala police detains 51 Sri Lankan refugees bound for Australia

Kerala police have arrested 51 Sri Lankan refugees belonging to different refugee camps in Tamil Nadu, when they allegedly tried to escape to Australia through illegal ferry. All the arrested refugees were handed over to the ‘Q’ Branch police at Theni district on Tuesday.

Following a tip-off that a group of over 50 Sri Lankan refugees were staying at a lodge in Thekkady Kerala police rushed to the spot.

During enquiries the refugees had told cops that they had come to Thekkady to spend their holidays. However, cops, who were not convinced by their reply, informed the Theni Q branch police. The Q branch personnel then took the 51 refugees, including 28 men, 10 women and 13 children to a marriage hall at Cumbum and held investigations. On interrogation, it was found out that the refugees had come from several camps without obtaining proper permission. It was also found out that they had a plan to reach Australia via Kochi.  The Q  branch police informed that they were waiting for instructions from higher authorities on the next course of action.