West Bengal Chief Minister alleges custodial torture of arrested Indian fisherfolk in Bangladeshi jail

Speaking to local media, Ms. Banerjee says some of the repatriated fisherfolk alleged that they were brutally tortured in Bangladesh as a few among them were walking with a limp, allegedly caused by the torture they experienced

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on her visit to Sagar Island in South 24 Parganas district on Monday (January 6, 2024) alleged that the fisherfolk recently released from prison in Bangladesh were subjected to torture in the neighbouring country.

“Some of the fisherfolk were tortured in Bangladesh. Their hands were tied with ropes and they were beaten with large sticks,” the Chief Minister said.

A total of 95 Indian fisherfolk, who were apprehended between October and November 2024 for allegedly crossing Bangladesh’s maritime boundaries, were repatriated to West Bengal along with six fishing boats on Sunday.

It was part of a joint agreement between India and Bangladesh for mutual exchange of maritime prisoners. On the same day, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) escorted 90 Bangladeshi fisherfolk who were apprehended in India for allegedly crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line.

According to ICG sources, the Indian fisherfolk were handed over to the District Magistrate of 24 South Parganas near Sagar Island on Monday morning. However, one fisherman, according to the Chief Minister, had died earlier after jumping into the water.

“We are giving the family of the deceased fisherfolk ₹2 lakh ex-gratia. Additionally, the 95 who were stuck in Bangladeshi prison for two months are being given ₹10,000 each,” the Chief Minister said.

Ms. Banerjee added that she understood the Indian fisherfolk were tortured when she noticed some of them limping.

“I met them and noticed some of them walking with a limp. When I asked why they were limping, they did not want to speak up. Then, I found out that they were tortured in prison in Bangladesh,” she said. “They have bruises extending from their waist to their feet, which are not visible because they are clothed.”

While speaking to local media on Monday, some of the repatriated fisherfolk recounted being allegedly tortured in prison in Bangladesh. “They tortured us a lot. They hit me on my head, on my waist and knees. I could not stand up after that. They seized our belongings too,” one of them said.

Another fisherfolk alleged that on the night of October 16, when they had accidentally crossed over to Bangladeshi waters, navy personnel of the neighbouring country had tied their hands and tortured some of them through the night.

Ms. Banerjee also said that a month or so back, a Bangladeshi trawler had entered Indian waters. “They had fallen incredibly sick here. We provided medical treatment and all other forms of care and support, so India and West Bengal’s reputation remained intact,” she said.

The Chief Minister also instructed the District Magistrate and other officials present to arrange for medical treatment for the injured Indian fisherfolk. “Do not cross our maritime boundaries. If that means you will catch less fish, so be it. Your lives are more important,” she said, addressing the audience present at Sagar Island.

Published - January 06, 2025 11:18 pm IST