Italy ship: Italian naval guards to stay in police custody

New Delhi, Feb 20: The Italian naval guards have to stay in the police custody for 3 days for their alleged involvement in the murder of the Indian fishermen.

A FIR has been lodged against them for killing the fishermen. The magistrate in Kollam district have declared the order after the two were produced before him on Monday, Feb 20.

While the locals protested against them outside the magistrate's residence.

After the detailed interrogation in Kochi, Latore Massimiliano and Salvatore Girone were arrested last night. The two of the accused is a part of the six-member security team of the oil tanker Merchant Vessel Enrica Lexie.

Syed Akbaruddin, MEA spokesperson explained the matter to the reporters. "We had a fairly comprehensive discussion whereby we have explained to them the rationale of our position and the situation as it exists. We have also explained to them that as good partners and as External Affairs Minister S M Krishna had requested on Saturday, we hope Italy will cooperate with us in ensuring law of the land takes its course. We also requested them to fully cooperate with Kerala Police."

"I have been in talks with the Italian foreign minister and the Kerala chief minister...the law of the land will have to take its own course, we have advised the Italians to cooperate with the Kerala law agencies to achieve an amicable solution. I am expecting the Italian foreign minister to come on the 28th," said SM Krishna, External Affairs Minister.

OneIndia News