RAMANATHAPURAM: The Mannar court in Sri Lanka on Tuesday imposed a fine of Rs 87,000 (3 lakh Sri Lankan rupees) each on six fishermen and Rs 14,500 (50,000 Sri Lankan rupees) on another suffering from cardiac ailments -- all seven hailing from Rameswaram -- for alleged violation of International Maritime Boundary Line.
The court ordered the release of the fishermen upon payment of the fine amount and added that failure to do so would lead to a six-month imprisonment.
According to sources from the fisheries department, the seven fishermen, who were onboard a vessel owned by Irudhaya Douglas of Thangachimadam, were arrested by the Sri Lankan navy on August 9. After multiple custody extensions, the seven were produced before the Mannar court, which imposed the penalty.
Further, the court adjourned the hearing in connection with the seizure of the boat to January 22, 2026, following which the seven fishermen were lodged in a special camp in Mannar.