Six detained Indian sailors likely to walk free soon

Dubai, July 28 (UNI) Six Indian sailors acquitted of the charges of the death of a colleague on board a Norwegian ship are likely to be released from prison in three days.

The prosecution has to move the Federal Supreme court for a no objection certificate and then issue the release order for the men to walk free.

The original sentences, issued by a court in the UAE Emirate of Fujairah, were overturned by a superior court which stated that the judicial authorities had no jurisdiction over the case since the crime happened in international waters.

The lower court had given life terms to the captain Jitendra Malhotra, and sentenced Sumeet Bhola, Maher Gurprit Singh, Moosa Kounge, Pramod Chavan, Skariah Money Mannil and Datta Suman, five year's each, in jail holding them responsible for the death of Sudhir Nonia Jagannath (31) from Maharashtra.

The incident dates back to February 6 when the merchant vessel Champion Pioneer was sailing into the port of Fujairah from New Mangalore Port in south of India.

The crew reported Jagannath's death on board to the local authorities and the police detained the sailors, six of whom including the captain were sent to jail to face charges of murder.

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