They were secured when they assembled near a school in the city to chalk out a plan for the boat journey.

According to the news report citing sources, they were identified as K. Jayaraj (34) and A. Chandrakumar (36) of Sri Lankan camp at Rayanur in Karur district, C. Pradeepan (27), R. Prabu (25) and M. Pradeep (21) of Sri Lankan camp in Kottapattu and S. Sreshwararaja (34) of Irubuthipatti in Karur district.

Jayaraj was said to be the kingpin of the plan. He had collected Rs.1 lakh each for arranging the boat ride, the report further says.