2 marines to be turned in

The authorities of the Italian oil tanker in the early hours of Sunday agreed to hand over by 8 a.m. two of the marines on board the vessel, who allegedly shot dead two Indian fishermen on February 15 in the sea.

Kochi Police Commissioner M.R. Ajith Kumar visited the ship late on Saturday night — his second in the day — and spoke to the Captain and crew for half hour. He told journalists on his return here that the authorities had agreed to turn in two of its marines to the police by the 8 a.m. deadline set by the police.

A case of murder was registered by the Kollam police two days ago and the two marines, on their surrender, would be questioned first before further action was taken, police sources said.