Did the Indian Coast Guard Capture a Bangladeshi Trawler with 29 Fishermen in Kolkata?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Indian Coast Guard apprehended a Bangladeshi trawler.
- 29 fishermen were detained for illegal entry.
- Investigation launched by local police.
- Heightened security measures in coastal areas.
- Frequent violations of territorial waters noted.
Kolkata, Nov 16 (NationPress) The Indian Coast Guard apprehended a Bangladeshi trawler carrying 29 fishermen in Kolkata on Sunday, according to officials.
The fishermen were subsequently handed over to the local police.
Authorities reported that the fishermen are under arrest for illegally entering Indian waters.
As per police sources, the Indian Coast Guard noticed a suspicious trawler during their patrol of the Bay of Bengal.
Upon reaching the vessel, it was confirmed to be from Bangladesh, having breached international waters.
This led to the immediate detention of the 29 fishermen onboard.
The Indian Coast Guard then brought the trawler ashore and transferred the Bangladeshi fishermen to the Fraserganj Coast Police Station in the South 24 Parganas district.
Investigations by the officers of the Sundarbans Police District are underway to determine the circumstances of their entry into Indian waters.
The accused fishermen are expected to appear before the Kakdwip Sub-divisional Court on Monday, where authorities will request their custody for further questioning.
This incident comes in the wake of a recent mysterious death of an Indian fisherman in a Bangladeshi jail.
As a result, security measures in coastal areas have been intensified, leading to the successful interception of the Bangladeshi trawler.
Satinath Patra, Secretary of the Kakdwip Fishermen's Union, stated, "A Bangladeshi fishing trawler entered our waters unlawfully. The Indian Coast Guard took notice and subsequently detained the vessel along with the fishermen, who were then transferred to the Fraserganj Coast Police Station. An investigation is currently in progress."
Reports of Bangladeshi trawlers infringing on Indian territorial waters are not uncommon.
In parallel, Indian fishing vessels have also been known to cross into Bangladeshi waters in the Bay of Bengal.
In September, another trawler with 13 Bangladeshi fishermen was detained by the Indian Coast Guard, with subsequent arrests made by local police.
Since then, maritime patrols have been enhanced, with increased surveillance measures implemented.