Buses carrying Sri Lankan pilgrims attacked

The 178 Sri Lankan pilgrims were travelling in seven buses on their way to Tiruchirapalli airport to fly back to their country when one of the tyres of a bus got punctured and had to stop, bringing the convoy behind to a halt, police said.

About 30 activists used two wheelers to block the road and attacked three buses, smashing glass panes, police said, adding the passengers suffered bruises as they tried to rush out of the bus.

Police rushed to the spot and dispersed the activists and gave first aid to the injured.

The pilgrims, who were here after visiting the Christian shrine at Velankanni, where also they faced protest from a Tamil outfit, were sent to the airport under police escort.

 

Commissioner of Police Shailesh Kumar Yadav told reporters that police have been instructed to arrest the culprits and take action against them.