Of the nine-member crew, four were killed while the remaining five were captured. The trawler mechanic is said to be one Simon Soza from Kerala who chose to surrender.

Details have emerged that the trawler was hijacked by the LTTE along the India-Sri Lanka maritime boundary on May 12. While all the fishermen were released, the mechanic was held captive. The motive now becomes clear as the trawler re-appeared in Maldivian territorial waters on May 17. Clearly, the trawler, sources said, had sufficient arms and ammunition for the LTTE to engage in a lengthy stand-off.

While Colombo is understood to have sought access to those nabbed by Maldivian authorities, questioning is underway to determine the purpose of the mission which is likely to be linked with shipping of arms and ammunition for the LTTE.

India has responded to Maldives in the past when the Indian Navy was pressed into action in 1988 as an attempt was being made to dislodge President Mohammed Gayoom. However, Indian intervention has become a rare occurrence since then despite its military dominance of the region.

Even in this case, South Block was unwilling to comment though sources confirmed that India was “aware” about the Maldives action in advance.