Staff Correspondent
Sri Vijaya Puram, Mar. 05: Two fishermen were reportedly found fishing near the restricted waters of North Sentinel Island, which falls under a protected tribal reserve area, during an early morning patrol on last Saturday.
According to a statement given by Head Constable R.A. Swinli (43), who is posted with the Indian Reserve Battalion (IRBn) and serving as Personal Security Officer (PSO) to the DIGP (Law and Order), the incident occurred on March 1 at around 5:45 a.m.
The police team, along with the DIGP (Law and Order) and other senior officers, was on a circumnavigation duty around North Sentinel Island. They were travelling on a private fishing boat when they noticed a small fishing dinghy anchored in the sea at a distance of about 100 to 200 meters from the island. Two persons were seen fishing close to the island.
When questioned, the two individuals identified themselves as Mahesh Mundari and Ravi Ram Naskar, both residents of Wandoor. They also informed the team that the dinghy they were using belonged to a resident of Wandoor.
The police team informed the fishermen that the area around North Sentinel Island is a notified tribal reserve and that fishing or entering the area is strictly prohibited. The fishermen were asked to leave the area immediately.
However, the fishermen reportedly responded that they would leave after having tea.
Authorities have stated that since the fishermen had entered the restricted tribal reserve area and were fishing near the island, the act constitutes a violation of the law. According to sources both were later arrested for this offence and were later released on bail. Further investigations are on.
