(HOLD) Did the Coast Guard apprehend 24 Bangladeshi fishermen for entering Indian waters?
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Synopsis
The Indian Coast Guard has taken action against 24 Bangladeshi fishermen for allegedly crossing into Indian waters. This incident highlights ongoing tensions and enforcement at international maritime boundaries in the region amidst political turmoil in Bangladesh.
Key Takeaways
- 24 Bangladeshi fishermen arrested for crossing into Indian waters.
- Incident occurred in the Bay of Bengal, South 24 Parganas district.
- Fishermen claimed entry was accidental due to fog.
- Coast Guard has increased vigilance in the region.
- Similar detentions have been frequent amidst political instability.
Kolkata, Jan 19 (NationPress) On Monday, the Indian Coast Guard apprehended 24 Bangladeshi fishermen for allegedly breaching the international maritime boundary in the Bay of Bengal within the South 24 Parganas district of West Bengal. They were subsequently transferred to the coastal police division of the West Bengal Police.
In the early hours of Monday, a Coast Guard patrolling vessel detected a Bangladeshi fishing trawler carrying 24 fishermen operating inside Indian waters. The Coast Guard quickly pursued the trawler, successfully intercepting it.
After taking the fishermen into custody, Coast Guard personnel initiated preliminary inquiries and later handed them over to the Frasergunj Coastal Police Station in the afternoon.
During the questioning, the fishermen asserted that their entry into Indian waters was unintentional, attributed to the dense fog in the area.
However, police officials indicated that further interrogation is ongoing to determine whether the fishermen's entry was accidental or intentional.
The detained fishermen were unable to present any identification documents to support their claims.
“They have been detained for illegally crossing the international maritime boundary and entering Indian waters without authorization. They will be presented in a district court on Tuesday,” stated a district police officer.
Recently, the Indian Coast Guard has detained over 100 Bangladeshi fishermen for inappropriate entry into Indian waters. Some have been released, while others are still undergoing trial at the Kakdwip court in South 24 Parganas.
On December 18 of last year, the Coast Guard arrested 35 Bangladeshi fishermen and seized their two trawlers after they were discovered in Indian waters in the Bay of Bengal.
Additionally, on December 15 of last year, a Bangladesh Navy vessel collided with a fishing trawler from Kakdwip after entering Indian waters, resulting in 11 fishermen narrowly escaping while five others went missing.
On Monday morning, the wrecked trawler was retrieved and brought to the Moynapara dock in Kakdwip.
Enhanced vigilance has been established by both the Indian Coast Guard and West Bengal's coastal police along the international maritime borders, particularly in South 24 Parganas, in response to the political unrest in neighboring Bangladesh that emerged last year.
Point of View
The apprehension of the 24 Bangladeshi fishermen underscores the complexities of maritime laws and the enforcement challenges faced by the Indian Coast Guard. While the fishermen claim their entry was accidental, it is crucial that we ensure the integrity of our territorial waters while also addressing humanitarian concerns.
NationPress
20/01/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were the fishermen arrested?
The fishermen were arrested for allegedly crossing the international maritime border and entering Indian waters without authorization.
What do the fishermen claim regarding their entry into Indian waters?
The fishermen claim they entered Indian waters by mistake due to dense fog in the region.
What has happened to the arrested fishermen?
They were taken into custody, questioned, and later handed over to the Frasergunj Coastal Police Station.
Have similar incidents occurred recently?
Yes, the Indian Coast Guard has previously detained over 100 Bangladeshi fishermen for illegal entry into Indian waters.
What measures are being taken at the maritime borders?
Heightened vigilance has been implemented by the Indian Coast Guard and coastal police in West Bengal, particularly following political unrest in Bangladesh.
