Amaravati: Eight fishermen from Vizianagaram district in Andhra Pradesh have been detained by the Bangladesh Navy after their boat allegedly strayed into neighbouring country’s territorial waters, the state government said on Thursday.
The state government has contacted the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) through Andhra Pradesh Bhavan in New Delhi to secure the release of the fishermen.
“Eight fishermen from Vizianagaram in Andhra Pradesh are currently in the custody of the Bangladesh Navy after their vessel reportedly crossed into that country’s waters,” an official release said.
A chargesheet has already been filed against the detained fishermen in Bangladesh. In response, the Indian High Commission in Dhaka has formed a dedicated legal team to assist them and push for an early release. The Andhra Pradesh government has also sought the support and cooperation of the Bangladesh Embassy in New Delhi.
Officials confirmed that constant communication is being maintained with the families of the fishermen in Vizianagaram, assuring them of continued support and timely updates.
Union Minister of Civil Aviation, Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu, has personally taken up the matter with the External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, urging swift action for the fishermen’s return.
Meanwhile, State Minister for MSME, SERP and NRI Affairs, Kondapalli Srinivas, is closely monitoring the situation and attempting to establish satellite communication with the detained men to check on their well-being.
Acting on the directions of Vizianagaram District Collector S Ramsundar Reddy, Revenue Divisional Officer (RDO) D Keerthi visited Visakhapatnam to meet the families of the detained fishermen. She briefed them about the government’s ongoing efforts and reassured them of continued assistance.
Local leaders—Vizianagaram MP Kalisetti Appalanaidu, MARKFED Chairman Karrotu Bangarraju, and Nellimarla MLA Lokam Nagamadhvi—also met the families and expressed their solidarity.
Officials said both state and central governments are making every possible effort to secure the fishermen’s early release and safe return to Andhra Pradesh.
