42 fishermen taken to custody by Bangladesh Marine police

Canning (WB), Aug 7: Altogether 42 fishermen, on board three trawlers, were taken into Bangladesh Marine Police's custody for 'mistakenly' crossing over to their territory while fishing along the Bay of Bengal.

The fishermen, on board the three trawlers -- M V Shan, M V Maa Manasa and M V Jai Maa Kali -- entered the Bangladesh region scouting for catch in the deep sea on August 4 afternoon when they were intercepted by the country's Marine police.

They are into custody, West Bengal Fishermen's Association Secretary Bijon Maity said. Additional Superintendent of Police, South 24 Parganas district, Arnab Biswas, when contacted by PTI, confirmed the developments and said that every effort was being made to secure their quick release.

He said the fishermen were stated to be safe. Maity said the three seized trawlers, which set off for sea like any other day from Kakdwip harbour in Canning had 15, 14 and 13 fishermen respectively. The association has moved the state administration to resolve the issue besides establishing contact with their counterpart association in the neighbouring country, he added.

PTI