Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 22 April 2024
In a significant breakthrough, the Andaman and Nicobar Police have effectively tackled illegal poaching activities in the territorial waters, bolstering coastal security measures.
Amid preparations for the Lok Sabha Elections, the Police Marine Force heightened Coastal Security Surveillance in collaboration with various stakeholders, including Fishermen Watch Groups.
On April 12th, 2024, two vigilant fishermen, Mr. Mahesh and Mr. C.H Verawamy from Dignabad, alerted the PMF Control Room about a suspicious dinghy sighted off the Chidiyatapu coastal area. Responding promptly, the Police Marine Force mobilised assets and launched an intensified search operation.
The Police Fast Interceptor Boat (FIB) Rifleman intercepted three Myanmarese nationals on a bamboo raft near the Brichgunj area. They were apprehended and handed over to PS Central Crime Station.
Subsequent joint interrogations involving multiple intelligence agencies revealed a potential larger presence of foreign nationals intending illegal poaching activities within the territorial waters.
In response, an extensive anti-poaching patrolling operation was launched by all agencies, deploying assets at strategic locations. This effort bore fruit on April 14, 2024, as the Indian Coast Guard apprehended 14 Myanmarese poachers in a wooden dinghy with a large quantity of Sea Cucumber off Rutland Island.
The apprehended poachers were handed over to the P.S Central Crime Station for joint interrogation. Consequently, an FIR was registered against them under relevant sections of the Foreigners Act 1946, FRA Order 1963, and the Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972.
Ten poachers were remanded to Judicial Custody, while the remaining four were taken into Police custody for further interrogation after their appearance before the Hon’ble Court of Chief Judicial Magistrate, Port Blair.
The operation was conducted under the supervision of Ms. Sindhu Pillai A, IGP, Ms. Varsha Sharma, DIGP (L&O/PMF), and Ms. Shweta K Sugathan, SP (PMF), under the leadership of Mr.Devesh Chandra Srivastva, IPS, DGP AN Islands.
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands Police Force expressed appreciation for the support and engagement of the local fishermen community involved in the operation. They reaffirmed their commitment to preserving the island’s marine biodiversity and safeguarding coastal security.