SHOT DEAD FISHERMAN YET TO BE REPARIATED

Manama

The dead body of an Indian expat fisherman, who was shot dead by pirates last Thursday, has not yet been repatriated to his home town. Indian Embassy Counselor Ram Singh told DT News last night that the Embassy would send the body of Antony Arul Anish  back to India as soon as the investigation is over.

The body is being kept at the King Hamad University Hospital (KHUH) in Muharraq. Antony, 21, hails from Enayamputhenthurai Fishing Village of Kanyakumari District in Southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu.

He was a contract labourer in a fishing company based at Qatar and was  shot dead while fishing along with five other fishermen.The Bahrain Coast Guard responded immediately by airlifting the injured fisherman and transporting him to King Hamad University Hospital in Muharraq.

However, the expat succumbed to his injuries. Fishermen helpline volunteers in Bahrain told DT News that Anish's family members have been relentlessly calling them, seeking speedy repatriation of the body.

Meanwhile the Tamilnadu Chief Minister J Jayalalalithaa requested Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to direct the Indian Embassy at Bahrain and Qatarto immediately arrange for the transportation of the body.

She was also quoted requesting the Indian Embassy to ensure that the terminal monetary benfits due to the deceased are transferred to him family without delay. The sudden demise of the fisherman and the tragic circumstances surrounding his death have reportedly put his family in great financial and mental hardship. Jayalalithaa yesterday announced a financial aid of Rs 5 lakh to the family of the deceased.