More warrants issued in Tamil migrant case

Richard ZUSSMAN QMI AGENCY

The same day two Sri Lankan men accused of human smuggling made a bid for bail in a Vancouver courtroom, warrants were issued for the arrest of three more people believed to be linked to the MV Sun Sea.

On Tuesday, charges were filed against Ontario residents Thampeernayagam Rajaratnam and Nadarajah Mahendran, along with Sathyapavan Aseervatham in connection with the case.

The Crown said the pair could be brought to face court in B.C. as soon as June 13.

A fourth man is awaiting extradition from France to Canada on human smuggling charges. The latest charges bring to six the number of people being prosecuted in connection with the sailing that brought 492 Tamil migrants to B.C.'s coast in 2010.

Kunarobinson Christhurajah and Lesly Jana Emmanuel appeared in provincial court Tuesday for a bail hearing. Full details of the allegations are protected from release by a publication ban. Previous reports name Christhurajah as the owner of the ship. His bail hearing was put off to June 13.

His wife Mary Patrishiya Kunarobinson attended the hearing with their now 13-month-old, born after the Sun Sea arrived in Esquimalt.

"It has been very hard," said the accused human smuggler's wife. "I don't have anybody here, but I want to stay in Canada."

Kunarobinson, who speaks little English, became very emotional when speaking about her husband.

Through tears she said he is innocent and is having a very hard time behind bars. One year before the Sun Sea arrived the MV Ocean Lady carried 76 Tamils to the B.C. coast.

According to reports from Thailand, Tamils paid between $25,000 and $30,000 for a chance to board the trip headed for Canada. 24 Hours Vancouver