A tragic incident at the India-Bangladesh maritime boundary has resulted in the death of an Indian fisherman and left five others missing. Survivors of the capsized vessel FB Paramita-11 have made grave allegations against a Bangladeshi patrol vessel, claiming it used a deadly weapon before causing their trawler to sink.
Survivors' Harrowing Account of the Attack
The eleven surviving fishermen reached Namkhana on Tuesday morning after their ordeal, which began on Monday near the international maritime boundary line. They provided a chilling narrative to the trawler owner, Lakshman Das. According to their account, Rajdul Ali Sheikh was assisting helmsman Rakhal Das at the rear of the vessel when he was fatally struck by what they described as a "spear-like weapon."
Simultaneously, other crew members at the bow were preparing to cast a net. It was at this moment, the survivors allege, that the Bangladeshi patrol vessel rammed into their trawler. The impact was so severe that it threw everyone on board into the sea, leading to the capsizing of FB Paramita-11. The fishermen have stated they believe there was an attempt to kill everyone on the trawler.
Aftermath and Official Response
The aftermath of the incident has left a community in mourning and seeking answers. Sheikh Maharam, the brother of the deceased Rajdul, declared, "Bangladesh navy has killed my brother." Helmsman Rakhal Das, who survived the initial spear attack, is currently undergoing medical treatment at a nursing home in Diamond Harbour.
The incident has drawn serious concern from local fishermen unions. Satinath Patra, secretary of the Sundarban Marine Fishermen's Workers Union, emphasized the gravity of the situation. "The matter is extremely serious. The description provided by the fishermen cannot be taken lightly. We will approach the authorities," he stated. A senior district police official confirmed awareness of the incident, noting that "the matter is being investigated."
Ongoing Search and Tensions
As of Tuesday, the search continues for the five missing fishermen, casting a shadow of uncertainty over their families. This incident highlights the ongoing tensions and dangers faced by fishermen operating near sensitive maritime boundaries. The allegations of the use of a lethal weapon prior to the collision mark a severe escalation, demanding a thorough and transparent investigation from both Indian and Bangladeshi authorities to prevent further loss of life and ensure justice.
