Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)

Mangaluru, Nov 2: The Indian Coast Guard arrested 15 fishermen and took into possession two Iranian fishing boats which were illegally conducting fishing inside the Indian territory about 165 nautical miles off Lakshadweep. These fishermen were brought here and produced in the court upon which they were remanded to judicial custody. 

The arrested fishermen happen to be Abubakker Ansari Meeyava, Moosa Dehadani, Azam Ansari, Shid Bachoo, Abdul Majeed, Majeed Rehamani Dawood, Muhammed Issac, Kareem Baksh Doorjade, Muhammed Baloch Baman, Abdul Gani Bapore, Nassir Badruj, Anwar Baloch, and Nabi Bux Yousuf Jahani.

Vikram - File photo

The Coast Guard ship, 'Vikram' was patrolling the Indian maritime border, its staff signaled two fishing boats which were found to be moving about suspiciously in Indian territorial waters on October 21. The boats did not stop and continued to move ahead at which the ship stopped them and conducted checking. It was found that the fishermen did not possess any documents. Besides, they also behaved irresponsibly. Immediately, the boats were taken into custody and brought to New Mangalore Port here. On the way, out of the Avi and Ishan boats, Avi developed technical problems near Lakshadweep and sank in the sea. Fishermen of that boat were brought here. 

The arrested fishermen are found to be Iranian citizens. They have been charged with illegally entering Indian maritime border without permission, undertaking fishing there, obstructing Indian Coast Guard officials from discharging their duties, and illegally collecting water resources belonging to India. 

A case was registered in Coastal Security Police Station. The deputy superintendent of police here, under the guidance of the superintendent of police, has been investigating.