Indian captain, deputy face manslaughter charges

Dubai, May 17 (UNI) The Indian ship captain and his deputy who were commanding the boat that sank off Bahrain on March 30, killing 58 people, 22 of them Indians, are still in jail while a local court is hearing their bail applications.

Captain Tandel Rejendra Kumar Ramjibhai and his junior mate Roopesh, facing manslaughter charges, have pleaded to be released on bail amid public prosecutor's submission that the investigation into the cause of the tragedy is yet to be completed.

The defendants' lawyer is preparing the papers to file another bail application, saying there is no harm in releasing them as the owner of the boat is already out on bail.

Indian embassy officials have visited the crew detention since April 3, and are extending consular assistance to them.

UNI XC SHB ND1546