The police have filed charge sheet against 59 Sri Lankan fishermen held here, before the Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) court here on Monday. There are over 150 Sri Lankan fishermen in Indian jails, and over 300 Indian fishermen in Sri Lankan jails.
The police filed four sets of charge sheet, accusing them of entering Indian waters to indulge in illegal activities. The police charged the fishermen, hailing from Negombo, Puttalam and Kalutara districts with violating Sections 3/10, 7/14, 15(c) of the Marine Zone of India Act, 1981 and Section 3(a) read with 6(a) of Passports (Entry into India) Rules, 1950.
The Indian Coast Guard apprehended the fishermen for entering Indian waters off Kanyakumari during September-November last year.