TV
In a crackdown, a team of Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has nabbed at least 78 Bangladeshi nationals and were found aboard two large trawlers in Indian territorial waters, an official source said on Tuesday.
According to the official source, the operation took place off the coast and the individuals were subsequently taken to Paradip Port in Jagatsinghpur district. The coast guard authorities are yet to determine whether these individuals are fishermen or if they have entered India’s territorial waters with the intention of illegal immigration.
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In a significant operation aimed at safeguarding maritime security and upholding national sovereignty, the ICG seized two Bangladeshi fishing vessels operating near the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) within Indian territorial waters at around 7.00 AM on December 9, 2024, an official communiqué issued in this regard mentioned.
The operation carried out during routine surveillance, was led by the Indian Coast Guard ship Amogh, which identified suspicious activity within Indian Maritime Boundaries. Upon interception, 78 persons in the two vessels were found engaged in unauthorised fishing activities, contravening international maritime laws and bilateral agreements.
The vessels, ‘FV Laila-2’ and ‘FV Meghna-5’, registered in Bangladesh with 78 crew members (41 and 37 respectively) were inspected and total fish catches of approximately 160 tonnes were found in the vessels during a thorough search.
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Subsequently, the two vessels were seized under the Maritime Zones of India Act, 1981. Both vessels were escorted to Paradip for further investigation. The matter is being coordinated with concerned authorities, including the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the Fisheries Department to ensure appropriate action.
Further investigations are underway to ascertain the purpose of their voyage.
