Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) states that 10 Indian fishermen are facing prosecution over several charges, including the death of a naval personnel during duty.

A SLN personnel from the Navy Special Boat Squadron had sustained critical injuries due to the aggressive manoeuvres of the Indian trawler during a special operation off Kankesanthurai on June 25. He had succumbed to his injuries after being admitted to the Jaffna Teaching Hospital.

The postmortem examination had determined that the sailor’s death was an accident, resulting from spinal cord damage.

The SLN states that the seized Indian trawler together with 10 Indian fishermen was brought to the Kankesanthurai Harbour and they were handed over to the Kankesanthurai Police for onward legal proceedings.

The Kankesanthurai Police has filed a ‘B’ report with the Mallakam Court in Jaffna, seeking prosecution of ten Indian fishermen. They face charges for; illegal fishing in Sri Lankan waters, death of a naval Person during the operation and for causing damage to naval property, the SLN adds.

The deceased sailor’s funeral ceremony was held yesterday (June 26) in Ibbagamuwa with full honours of the Navy. The Navy Commander had also posthumously promoted the deceased senior sailor, as a Fleet Chief Petty Officer.

The Navy also said that all necessary arrangements have been made for his family to receive the appropriate compensations and allowances.