A 42-year old Indian fisherman from the district of Kanyakumari in India’s southern state of Tamil Nadu has been shot dead in an attack by pirates in Saudi Arabian sea, according to information received by his family on Saturday.

Mathivalan, employed in a Saudi Arabian fishing company, was fishing in the sea along with five others, also hailing from Kanyakumari, when the pirates attacked them, President of Tamilnadu Fishermen Welfare Trust B Justin said quoting the information received by the deceased’s family members.

The pirates opened fire when the fishermen tried to flee after being asked to stop.

Mathivalan, hailing from Eethamozhi village in the district, died on the spot after being hit by a bullet, while the others managed to escape from the pirates.

The Saudi Arabian police have sent the body of Mathivalan for post-mortem and further investigation was on.

Justin said Mathivalan was survived by wife and two children.

He urged the central and state governments to arrange to bring back the body of Mathivalan and also pay a compensation of Rs 10 lakh to his family.

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