New Delhi, 18 December (H.S.): The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) continues to strengthen its maritime presence and enforce sea laws across India’s territorial waters. In its latest operation, the Coast Guard ship ‘Anmol’ apprehended two Bangladeshi fishing boats in the northern Bay of Bengal, detaining 35 fishermen who were allegedly engaged in illegal fishing within the Indian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
Nearly 500 kilograms of fish were seized during the operation. This is the eighth such interception in the past three months, according to official reports.ICG Commandant Amit Uniyal stated that on December 16, during routine surveillance in the northern Bay of Bengal, Ship ‘Anmol’ detected two Bangladeshi boats illegally operating inside India’s maritime boundary.
Both vessels were subsequently intercepted, and 35 Bangladeshi nationals were arrested for violating the Maritime Zones of India Act, 1981. Fishing gear and approximately 500 kilograms of catch were recovered from the boats, confirming their unlawful activity within Indian waters.
The seized vessels and the detained fishermen were handed over to the Fraserganj Marine Police on December 17 for further legal action in accordance with the applicable maritime laws.
Officials emphasized that the operation underlines the Indian Coast Guard’s firm commitment to safeguarding the nation’s maritime interests, preventing illegal fishing practices, and ensuring the safety and livelihood of Indian fishermen in the region.
Over the last three months, the ICG has intercepted eight Bangladeshi fishing vessels and detained approximately 170 crew members for similar violations.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
