Indian teenager remanded after travelling by boat to meet girl in Mannar

A 14-year-old boy from Tamil Nadu, India, who allegedly travelled illegally by boat to Sri Lanka to meet a 14-year-old girl he had met through social media, has been placed under probationary care until 21 September.

The boy was found stranded in the Talaimannar area after the boatman who brought him from Tamil Nadu allegedly dropped him on a sandbank and left.

Sri Lanka Navy personnel rescued the boy, provided him with first aid and food, and later handed him over to Talaimannar Police.

Police produced him before the Talaimannar Magistrate’s Court, where the magistrate ordered that he be placed under probationary care because he is a minor.

During questioning, the boy reportedly told police that he had paid for the boat journey because he wanted to meet the girl.

Police said the two had become acquainted through social media and developed a relationship over a short period.

Officers found only 280 Indian rupees in his possession and believe he had paid the rest of his money to the boatman.