Fishing ban: Forest dept accused of setting free seized trawler in Gahirmatha

Two trawlers were seized and 10 fishermen were arrested for allegedly fishing in the sea at Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary. However, the locals have alleged that the forest department handed over one trawler to the police and released another trawler. 

According to sources, a fishing ban has been imposed in the sea at Gahirmatha from November to May for the protection of Olive ridley turtles.

On December 10, the two trawlers were seized from the sea by the forest department. Besides, 10 fishermen were arrested from the trawlers. 

The arrested fishermen were forwarded to the court following their arrests.

However, the locals have alleged that the forest department have handed over one trawler named (Sea king) and let the other escape. 

“We were fishing in Gahirmatha and suddenly the forest department came and nabbed us,” said arrested fisherman.

When asked about the trawler which was allegedly let go, Rajnagar Forest Sub-Divisional Officer Sudarshan Yadav said that he has no knowledge of it and a probe has been initiated into the matter.