Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (MS)

Bengaluru, Jan 13: Fisheries minister Venkat Rao Nadagowda has informed that there is a possibility that the fishermen, who went missing from the deep sea in the Arabian Ocean, are under the captivity of Maharashtrians.

Nadagowda was speaking to the scribes in the city. He further said, "Maharashtrians catch hold of our fishermen and put fines every now and then. There is a suspicion this time around also that the missing fishermen are under their captivity."

"The fish crates of the missing boat are found by the fishermen of other boats. Investigation is being carried out from this angle also. I have discussed with the chief minister also to put pressure on the government of Maharashtra. In addition, I have had discussion with the government of Goa and Gujarat also in this connection," said the fisheries minister.

Nadagowda further said, "The boat has gone to a distance of 12 nautical miles in the sea. Central governments also has more responsibility in this issue of the missing fishermen. We have sought the help of coastguard and Navy. They have also done aerial search through helicopters."

No trace of missing fishermen, says home minister

"It is wrong information that clues with regards to the missing fishermen are available. The search is still on," said M B Patil, home minister of Karnataka.

Speaking to the reporters, Patil said, "The government is putting in all efforts to trace the fishermen. We will write letters to the governments of Goa and Maharashtra. The chief secretary of the government will also write letter to ISRO seeking help. The issue is discussed in the state cabinet also."

"The families of the missing fishermen are in distress. The search is being done in Kochi of Kerala state also. Let us not give any misinformation for any reason," appealed the minister.