Mamata Banerjee reveals shocking truth: Indian fishermen tortured in Bangladesh jail

West Bengal: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee yesterday alleged that several of the 95 Indian fishermen who were released from Bangladesh on Friday were physically tortured in prison. Describing them as "victims of circumstances," she handed them financial aid and medical assistance.

Mamata Banerjee expressed her concern

The tragic fate of Indian fishermen who had been arrested by Bangladeshi authorities for entering their waters illegally. According to Banerjee, some of the fishermen had visible marks of physical torture, limping and showing bruises on their bodies as a result of the beatings they received in jail, where their hands were tied during the beating. Many of them cried while narrating their traumatic experiences.

Mamata Offers Relief 

Banerjee met the fishermen after their release and went to Sagar Island to inspect preparations for Ganga Sagar Mela. She gave a cheque of Rs 10,000 to each fisherman so that they could start life afresh. The family of a fisherman who had tried to escape arrest by jumping into the water was given a cheque of Rs 2 lakh.

Sailing Fishermen into Bangladeshi Waters

The mishap happened when, during the fishing voyages in October and November, the fishermen errantly entered the Bangladeshi water. Most of the 95 fishermen, comprised of those from Kakdwip and Namkhana, were freed a few days ago. According to Banerjee, "They have become victims of the situation and drifted into Bangladesh unwittingly due to storms."

Future precaution

While condemning the treatment meted out to the Indian fishermen, she also lauded the handling of a similar case involving the trawler with the Bangladeshi nameboard that strayed into Indian waters. While urging the fishermen not to go on the wrong side of the international maritime boundary henceforth, Banerjee asked them not to forget developing good relations with the country where she hailed from Bangladesh.