Fisherman from Kanyakumari Allegedly Shot Dead in Saudi Arabia

Chennai : An Indian fisherman of Pozhikarai village near Ethamozhi was allegedly shot dead by pirates in the high seas near Saudi Arabia Sea on Saturday. An official of the Fisheries Department here said that the mechanised boat which ventured into the sea was encircled by the pirates.

45-year-old S Madhivazhan from Tamil Nadu's Kanyakumari district, who had been working with a Saudi Arabian fishing company, was steering a boat which had seven others on board when pirates allegedly attacked him. Madhivazhan was the Captain of the boat.

His family says he suffered bullet injuries on his neck. "The other seven people hid themselves. Only he was shot at," said Madhivazhan's relative. The family has sought the state and Central government's intervention to bring his body home.

"The poor family has no livelihood now. The state and central governments should provide compensation. They should also make the Saudi Arabia fishing company he worked for pay compensation," said Gabriel, his uncle.

P. Justin Antony, founder-president, Tamil Nadu Fishermen Development Trust (TN-FIDET) said that eight fishermen including the deceased were engaged by a Saudi-based firm.

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