Bhubaneswar: The Indian Coast Guard apprehended two Bangladeshi fishing trawlers along with 78 crew for unauthorised fishing in Indian waters.
The vessels have been brought to Paradip for legal proceedings.
According to sources, the Bangladeshis underwent a health check-up and were found to be doing fine. They will be handed over to the Paradip Marine Police by evening.
While Ministry of External Affairs has been intimated, Indian Coast Guard, Marine Police and CISF are jointly probing to ascertain any terror links in the incident.
Dhaka Tribune identified the seized vessels as FV Meghna-5, owned by C&A Agro Limited of Chattogram, and FV Laila-2, owned by SR Fishing. The incident occurred on Monday afternoon in the Hiron Point area of Khulna, it said, quoting vessel owners and the Department of Shipping.
Ansarul Haque, Operations Manager of C&A Agro Limited, however, alleged that the vessels were taken away by Indian Coast Guard while within Bangladesh’s maritime boundary. “We have lodged complaints with the Coast Guard, Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and other relevant authorities. They have assured us of full support.”
He further stated that they had managed to communicate with the sailors on Monday night and Tuesday morning, who informed them that they were being taken to Odisha and being in good condition.
“The two vessels were seized near Indian waters. The Bangladesh Coast Guard and other government agencies are in touch with Indian authorities, and we are closely monitoring the situation,” the report quoted Managing Director of the Department of Shipping Mohammad Maqsud Alam as saying.
