29 Bangladeshi fishermen arrested after trawler crosses maritime border into Indian waters

The Indian Coast Guard apprehended a Bangladeshi trawler carrying 29 fishermen after it allegedly crossed the international maritime boundary into Indian waters in the Bay of Bengal. The interception was made during routine patrolling on Sunday, following what officials described as “suspicious movement” at sea.

According to the Coast Guard, the crew failed to justify their presence in Indian territory during initial questioning. The trawler was subsequently escorted to shore, where all 29 fishermen were handed over to the Fraserganj Coast Police Station in South 24 Parganas district. They were later arrested on charges of intrusion into Indian waters.

Officials from the Sundarbans district police have begun an inquiry to determine how the trawler entered Indian waters and whether the act was intentional or due to navigational errors. The vessel is also being examined for further evidence as part of the investigation.

Authorities said the operation was part of heightened vigilance along the sensitive maritime border region, where similar intrusions have been reported in the past. Further questioning of the arrested fishermen is underway.