Inquiry causing delay in repatriation of Tamil Nadu fisherman’s body from Saudi Arabia: Minister Aadhav Arjuna
Tamil Nadu Minister Aadhav Arjuna announced that the repatriation of a fisherman killed by Iranian pirates in Saudi Arabia is currently delayed due to an ongoing inquiry. The state government is coordinating with the Union External Affairs Ministry to assist the injured survivors and bring the deceased's body home.
Why it matters
The incident highlights the risks faced by migrant workers and the complexities of international diplomatic coordination in cases of maritime violence.
Tamil Nadu Public Works Department (PWD) Minister Aadhav Arjuna, on Thursday (August 20, 2026), said there was a delay in bringing back the body of fisherman Maveeran from Thoduvai village in Mayiladuthurai district , who was killed by Iranian pirates in Saudi Arabia, as an inquiry was being conducted.
Responding to Opposition MLAs in the Assembly who raised the issue of the attack on Tamil fishermen by Iranian pirates, the Minister said the Mayiladuthurai Collector was taking all steps to bring back the body of Maveeran (45) and help fisherman Sankar (40), who was critically injured and was being treated at a military hospital, as well as the other fishermen injured in the incident.
“The Secretary of the Fisheries Department has also written to the Union External Affairs Minister to bring them back to Tamil Nadu through diplomatic efforts,” he said.
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