Four members of Lankan family arrested

A four member Sri Lankan family, including two minor children who arrived illegally by a boat from Mullaitivu were arrested off Dhanushkodi today, police said.

The couple told police they had come to India after paying Rs 80,000 to the boat owner to drop them off at Arichal Munai sand dunes, 'Q' branch Inspector Kennedy said.

He said the woman claimed they had come to India to avail of medical treatment for her kidney ailment and also because they could no longer bear 'harassment' by the Sri Lankan Navy.

They are being questioned, he said.