30 Sri Lankan Tamils rescued from traffickers

CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu ‘Q’ branch sleuths on Thursday night rescued 30 Sri Lankan Tamils at Vandalur while being taken by a gang involved in human trafficking to Mamallapuram from where they were to be transported to an island near Australia.

Acting on a tip, the sleuths intercepted the vehicle carrying the Sri Lankan Tamils, but the gang members managed to flee. Initial inquiries revealed that they were to board a ferry to set sail for Christmas Island where they would be put up before going to Australia.

The refugees, who paid more than 50,000 to 1 lakh each, were asked to return to their camps in different parts of the state.

This is the second such incident in less than one week. A few days ago, police arrested five people said to be involved in human trafficking and rescued 23 Sri Lankan Tamils who were later sent to the refugee camps concerned.

 

Source: Times of India / Submitted by Walter Jayawardhana