Five men who were accused of illegally transporting diesel to the detained U.S. ship crew were produced before Judicial Magistrate–II in Tuticorin on Sunday evening and sent to judicial custody until October 31.
The arrested persons were fishermen of Tuticorin. Police sources said they were involved in transporting 2,000 litres of diesel in ten drums to the detained ship – MV Seaman Guard Ohio on October 11. Besides, a mechanised boat used for transporting the diesel and a four-wheeled vehicle involved in the alleged illegal operation were also seized by the police.
The police have arrest 35 crew members and guards on board the US ship on charges of illegal possession of weapons and trespassing into Indian waters.
The vessel was detained by the Indian Coast Guard ship ‘Naikidevi’ on October 12 after it entered in to Indian waters without permission. Amidst tight security, the five arrested men were taken to Srivaikuntam and lodged in jail.
