Chennai, Aug 20 (PTI) The Tamil Nadu government on Thursday said it is taking active measures through the Union Ministry of External Affairs to bring back the mortal remains of a fisherman from Mayiladuthurai, who was shot dead off the coast of Saudi Arabia by Iranian pirates.
Minister for Public Works and Sports Development Department Aadhav Arjuna informed the state Assembly that the incident happened on August 10, 2026.
He was responding to a calling-attention motion by AIADMK general secretary and former Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami and other MLAs.
According to him, a group of fishermen from Tamil Nadu identified as Maveeran, Sankar, Palraj, and Manikandan was engaged in fishing in Saudi waters when suspected Iranian pirates attempted to rob them.
“During the confrontation, the pirates opened fire, killing Maveeran on the spot”, he added.
The minister claimed that the surviving fishermen, Sankar is currently undergoing treatment at a military hospital in Saudi Arabia, while Manikandan and Palraj have returned to their staying places there after receiving medical care.
Addressing the delay in repatriating Maveeran’s body, Arjuna said that ongoing local police investigations in Saudi Arabia have caused the hold-up.
He assured the House that the Secretary of the state Fisheries Department was closely coordinating with the MEA to expedite the return of Maveeran’s mortal remains and ensure the safe repatriation of the remaining fishermen to Tamil Nadu.
When the Opposition parties demanded proper compensation to the families of the victims, Aadhav replied that the Chief Minister will make an announcement soon in this regard. PTI SNR SNR SA
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