Fisherman's body to reach home tomorrow

"The mortal remains are likely to reach Trichy tomorrow from Dubai," External Affairs Ministry spokesman Syed Akbaruddin told reporters here.

Tamil Nadu fisherman, Arumugam Sekar, was killed last week when a security team aboard the American Navy ship USNS Rappahannock fired on a small motor vessel near Jabel Ali off Dubai.

US officials had claimed the boat carrying the fishermen had disregarded warnings and rapidly approached the US ship, a claim rejected by the Dubai Police investigating the case.

Meanwhile, India has taken up with Sri Lankan authorities the issue of arrest of 23 Tamil Nadu fishermen by Lankan Navy.

Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka A K Kantha had raised the issue of the arrest of Tamil Nadu fishermen with Sri Lankan Attorney General Palitha Fernando.

Sri Lankan Naval personnel had allegedly attacked some fishing boats and arrested 23 Tamil Nadu fishermen when they were fishing near Katchatheevu in the Palk Straits.