An Indian fishing trawler, hijacked by the LTTE, was sunk by Maldivian forces last week with India lending a helping hand.

In fact, the patrol vessel that engaged the LTTE-controlled boat for over 10 hours was handed over by India in April last year when the then Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee visited Maldives.

Huravee, the Maldives Coastguard ship that sunk the trawler is a fast patrol vessel equipped with a 30 mm Medak gun. It was earlier known as INS Tillanchang and its transfer was described as an effort to ensure “peace, stability and tranquillity” in the region.

This apart, it’s learnt that help was extended in the form of reconnaissance while the Maldives coastguards engaged the LTTE-controlled boat.

The Indian Navy, however, said it did not play any active role in the whole operation. “We were informed of the incident from Maldivian authorities but no Indian platform was used,” said the Navy spokesperson.

On the night of May 17, sources said, a fishing trawler was spotted by fishermen in Maldivian waters and they tried to chase it away. But there was firing from the trawler and the Maldives Coastguard was alerted. Immediately, Maldives officials informed Indian authorities and even sought assistance in trying to ascertain details of the trawler.

It’s learnt that Indian reconnaissance aircraft were pressed into action as Maldives moved the Huravee that engaged the boat called Sri Krishna — apparently registered in Kerala — for over 10 hours before sinking it at 8.30 am on May 18.

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