Inquiry causing delay in repatriation of Tamil Nadu fisherman’s body from Saudi Arabia: Minister Aadhav Arjuna

Inquiry causing delay in repatriation of Tamil Nadu fisherman's body from Saudi Arabia: Minister Aadhav Arjuna When Iranian pirates tried to rob the Tamil fishermen in Saudi Arabia, they resisted the attempt, resulting in firing by the pirates, the Minister remarked.

Key points

• "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 remarked.
• Sankar and Paulraj (38) are from Thoduvai village, Manikandan (30) is from Cuddalore district.
• When the Iranian pirates tried to rob them on August 10, they resisted the attempt, resulting in firing by the pirates.
• This person was killed by Iranian pirates in Saudi Arabia, as an inquiry was being conducted.
• Joseph Vijay would create announcements concerning compensation and other assistance to the victims' families.

Tamil Nadu Public Works Department (PWD) Minister Aadhav Arjuna, on Thursday (August 20, 2026), remarked there was a delay in bringing back the body of fisherman Maveeran from Thoduvai village in Mayiladuthurai district. This person was killed by Iranian pirates in Saudi Arabia, as an inquiry was being conducted.

Responding to Opposition MLAs in the Assembly who raised the matter of the attack on Tamil fishermen by Iranian pirates, the Minister stated the Mayiladuthurai Collector was taking all steps to bring back the body of Maveeran (45) and support fisherman Sankar (40). This person was critically injured and was being treated at a military hospital, as well as the other fishermen injured in the incident.

Mr. Sankar and Paulraj (38) are from Thoduvai village, Manikandan (30) is from Cuddalore district. They, along with Maveeran, had gone to Saudi Arabia for fishing.

"When the Iranian pirates tried to rob them on August 10, they resisted the attempt, resulting in firing by the pirates. Maveeran died on the spot. Sankar was critically injured. Others sustained minor injuries and returned to their place, " the Minister remarked.

Mr. Aadhav Arjuna remarked Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay would create announcements concerning compensation and other assistance to the victims' families.

Taken together, the developments around inquiry causing delay in repatriation of Tamil Nadu fisherman's body from Saudi point to a situation that is still moving, and the coming days should bring more clarity.