Capital punishment for fishermen sparks violent protests in Chennai

A day after the Sri Lankan court sentenced five Indian fishermen to death on charges of smuggling drugs,fishermen in Ramananthapuram went on a rampage today as they torched buses,blocked roads,burnt houses and damaged railway tracks.

Despite the presence of nearly 400 police personnel, including top officials, a frenzied  mob set fire to a State Transport Corporation bus and damaged the windscreen of half-a-dozen buses.

Police said more than 3,000 fishermen and women blocked road traffic at nearby Thangachimadam and indulged in violence by felling the trees and pelting stones at vehicles.

 

Security has been beefed up in Chennai and other parts in Tamil Nadu.  Armed police personnel had been rushed to troubled spots. Top police and revenue officials were also rushing to the spot to control the situation and hold talks with the agitating fishermen. -saharasamay