The Indian Navy has taken the Global Positioning System (GPS) equipment used by the fishermen of Jegadapattinam, who were fired at reportedly by the Sri Lankan naval personnel on January 12.
One fisherman of Nagapattinam, Veerapandian of Nagapattinam district, who ventured into sea from Jegadapattinam on January 12, was shot dead while fishing.
The Coastal Security Group police, Tiruppunavasal, registered a case following a complaint lodged by one of the fishermen who escaped unhurt in the firing and returned home along with the body of Veerapandian on January 13.
The police registered a case under Sec. 302 (murder) IPC and 307 IPC (causing death).
“We have seized the boat, bullets and also the GPS equipment and deposited the same with the Judicial Magistrate,” the Coastal Security Group sources said.
Meanwhile, the issue is being viewed seriously by the Indian Navy, sources said. A top official from the Navy had taken the GPS on Wednesday for ascertaining certain details, particularly the location of the fishermen and the distance in terms of nautical miles from Jegadapattinam, at the time of firing.
Fishermen of Jegadapattinam abstained from fishing for the second day on Thursday, condemning the firing by the Sri Lankan naval personnel and also expressing solidarity with the striking fishermen of Rameswaram.