Trichy: Aggrieved over charges and detention in India, 16 Sri Lankan Tamil refugees attempted suicide in the intermediate detention camp at Mannarpuram area on Wednesday.
The police rushed to the spot and rescued all the 16 inmates. They were later admitted in Trichy Government hospital for treatment. Trichy district collector Sivarasu and other officials inspected the spot, investigating the background of the issue.
The intermediate detention camp has around 80 international inmates who are facing trials for charges.
According to sources, the Sri Lankan Tamils in the camp had made several protests, claiming innocence and appealed for the immediate release from the detention camp.
The present special camp in the city holds as many as 93 inmates who are foreign nationals. Of this lot, 22 from different countries including African nations and Sri Lanka, were detained for carrying improper travel documents including fake Indian Passports. Cases related to these foreign nationals are pending in different courts.
The rest of the individuals held at the camp have criminal charges including dacoity and robbery pending against them in various courts across the state. Six of them have murder cases pending.
Tiruchirappalli District Collector R Sivarasu held talks with the foreign nationals who had attempted suicide. During the talks, he has assured them that he would recommend to the government to release those held with improper documents.
As for Indian nationals caught without proper travel documents including fake passports on arrival at international airports in the country — will be released on station bail.
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