The Indian Coast Guard today initiated a probe into the killing of an Indian fisherman killed in firing off the Gujarat Coast.
The deceased has been identified as Iqbal, 40, whose boat “Premraj” was fired at 9.30am by an unidentified boat 10 nautical miles (18.5 km) across the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) that divides the waters of India and Pakistan.
Sources said the authorities were looking into three possibilities — the vessel may have been attacked by rivals from Pakistan as the waters are famous for the “red snapper” fish catch, a delicacy in starred hotels; the Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (MSA) may have targeted Indian fishermen yet again; and the fisherman may have been killed in a gunfight between two rival groups of Indian fishermen. “As of now, nothing is being ruled out, not even the role of terrorists,” said a senior functionary.
Sources said the boat was being brought back to India by the Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) Meera Behn.
The fishing vessel had called for help over a very high frequency radio, made mandatory after the November 2008 Mumbai terror attacks.
ICGS Vijit had intercepted the call seeking help. Simultaneously, the Indian Coast Guard station at Okha in Gujarat received information from the owner of the fishing boat. ICGS Vijit and ICGS Meera Behn were diverted towards the position of the boat to investigate, while a Dornier aircraft was also launched from Porbandar for aerial surveillance of the area.
The deceased has been identified as Iqbal, 40, whose boat “Premraj” was fired at 9.30am by an unidentified boat 10 nautical miles (18.5 km) across the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) that divides the waters of India and Pakistan.
Sources said the authorities were looking into three possibilities — the vessel may have been attacked by rivals from Pakistan as the waters are famous for the “red snapper” fish catch, a delicacy in starred hotels; the Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (MSA) may have targeted Indian fishermen yet again; and the fisherman may have been killed in a gunfight between two rival groups of Indian fishermen. “As of now, nothing is being ruled out, not even the role of terrorists,” said a senior functionary.
Sources said the boat was being brought back to India by the Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) Meera Behn.
The fishing vessel had called for help over a very high frequency radio, made mandatory after the November 2008 Mumbai terror attacks.
ICGS Vijit had intercepted the call seeking help. Simultaneously, the Indian Coast Guard station at Okha in Gujarat received information from the owner of the fishing boat. ICGS Vijit and ICGS Meera Behn were diverted towards the position of the boat to investigate, while a Dornier aircraft was also launched from Porbandar for aerial surveillance of the area.
