Tragic Death of Indian Fisherman in Pakistani Custody
A 57-year-old Indian fisherman from East Midnapore district has died while imprisoned in Pakistan, with his family receiving the heartbreaking news on Saturday. Swapan Rana, a resident of South Paikbari village in Tamluk, had traveled to Gujarat two years ago seeking employment on a fishing trawler.
The Fateful Border Crossing and Arrest
During what should have been a routine fishing expedition, the trawler carrying Rana and six other crew members accidentally strayed across the maritime boundary into Pakistani waters. The vessel was subsequently intercepted by the Pakistan Coast Guard, leading to the arrest and imprisonment of all Indian nationals aboard.
The Indian government received official communication about Rana's death on November 27, when the Ministry of External Affairs obtained a letter from Pakistani authorities. The document stated that Rana had succumbed to an illness while in custody. Rishabh Deo, Undersecretary for Pakistan Affairs, forwarded this communication to the East Midnapore District Magistrate, who then informed the grieving family.
Family Rejects Official Version, Reveals Last Conversation
Rana's family has strongly contested Pakistan's claim that he died from natural causes. His son, Chandrakanta, shared crucial information about their last communication seven months ago. "My father managed to access a mobile phone from inside the jail," Chandrakanta revealed. "He urgently asked us to secure his release. That was the final time I heard his voice, and he mentioned nothing about being ill."
The fisherman's wife, Tutu Rani, echoed her son's skepticism about the circumstances surrounding her husband's death. With profound sadness, she expressed, "We were deprived of seeing him as a free man during his lifetime. Now, our only consolation would be to perform his last rites here at home, in his own village."
Repatriation Process and Community Response
According to Amin Sohel, Chairman of the East Midnapore District Fishermen Development Association, Pakistani authorities have agreed to return Rana's remains to India. The handover is scheduled for December 4 at the Wagah border crossing, where two family members will receive the body for the final journey home.
This tragic incident highlights the ongoing risks faced by Indian fishermen working in border areas and underscores the humanitarian concerns surrounding cross-border arrests. The family awaits closure as they prepare to bring their loved one home for the final time.
