Chennai, Apr 10 (IANS): The Tamil Nadu police has arrested 10 foreigners belonging to different countries in Mayiladuthurai district staying in a mosque for violating their visa norms, said a police officer.

"Ten foreigners have been arrested and remanded in judicial custody. They are being tested for corornavirus in the government hospital and will be shifted to Puzhal prison in Chennai," K.Singaravelu, Inspector of Police, Mayiladuthurai, told IANS.

The arrested included five French nationals, three from Cameron one each from Belgium and Congo.

Two Indians -- one each from Bihar and Maharashtra -- have also been arrested along with the foreigners.

According to Singaravelu, the foreigners had come to India in February and have been visiting various places.

He said they will be charged with violating the visa rules. They had come to India on a tourist visa and indulged in religious preaching, which was not allowed, he added.

They are also charged with putting at risk the health of public at large at a time when the coronavirus pandemic has affected the nation.

The foreign preachers are allegedly linked to Tablighi Jamaat headquartered in Delhi with overseas presence.

The state police has recently booked Tablighi Jamaat preachers from Thailand, Indonesia and Bangladesh for violation of visa rules.