Daijiworld Media Network - Kolkata

Kolkata, Sep 18: In a significant maritime security operation, the Indian Coast Guard has detained 13 Bangladeshi fishermen and seized their trawler after they were found fishing illegally in Indian waters near the Sundarbans region of West Bengal.

The interception took place earlier this week, and the apprehended individuals have since been handed over to the West Bengal Coastal Police. The operation has triggered heightened surveillance along the international maritime border with Bangladesh, especially across the sensitive zones of South 24 Parganas and North 24 Parganas districts.

Labelled as a swift and effective response under "Mission Maritime Security," the Indian Coast Guard posted on X (formerly Twitter), stating:

"Apprehended one Bangladeshi fishing boat for illegal fishing activities in Indian waters. The boat has been handed over to Marine Police, Frazerganj for legal proceedings. The apprehension reflects the ICG’s unwavering commitment towards safeguarding India’s maritime borders."

Following the incident, security agencies — both central (such as the Coast Guard and Border Security Force) and state-level coastal police units — have ramped up joint patrols and monitoring efforts across the area’s creeks and waterways, which are often exploited for illegal crossings and smuggling activities.

Sources within the state police revealed that several narrow and remote creeks between the islands in the Sundarbans region have been identified as high-risk zones for infiltration. Among the most vulnerable are 13 islands located in the Gosaba block, where security presence remains minimal due to logistical challenges. Currently, only one of these islands hosts a BSF outpost, while the others are frequently used as stopovers by local and foreign fishermen venturing into deeper waters.

Initial investigations indicate that the detained fishermen hail from Purba Chandipur in Bangladesh’s Bagerhat district, with a few belonging to Pirojpur and Zianagar areas. They are expected to be presented before the Kakdwip Subdistrict Court on Thursday, where police will request custody to delve deeper into the circumstances of their unauthorized entry.

Given the porous nature of the riverine international border in this region, authorities report recurring incidents of Bangladeshi trawlers straying into Indian territory. However, both central and state forces have assured continued vigilance and enhanced coordination to deter any such future intrusions.