35 fishermen from Bangladesh held by Indian Coast Guard

Kolkata: At least 35 Bangladeshi fishermen were nabbed and their two fishing boats seized by the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) after they were found engaged in illegal fishing activity inside India's exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in violation of the Maritime Zones of India (Regulation of Fishing by Foreign Vessels) Act, 1981, the defence ministry said on Thursday.

The boats and crew were taken into custody on Tuesday and later handed over to Marine Police in Fraserganj on Wednesday for further legal proceedings. "The crew of Bangladeshi boats failed to produce any valid authorisation or permit for fishing inside the Maritime Zones of India. The fishing gear and catch with around 500 kg indicated active fishing operations inside Indian waters," the MoD said.

"The apprehension highlights the ICG's steadfast commitment in protecting India's maritime interests, preventing illegal fishing and ensuring the security of Indian fishermen operating in the region," the MoD said in a statement.


The fishermen were brought to the Fraserganj fishing harbour by the ICG on Wednesday and handed over to the police at the Fraserganj Coastal Police Station.