Sri Vijaya Puram, June 28: Andaman and Nicobar Islands Member of Parliament Bishnu Pada Ray has written to Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh seeking immediate disciplinary action against the Coast Guard personnel allegedly involved in the reported assault on ten fishermen from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The MP has also demanded the institution of a high-level, time-bound inquiry into the incident.
In his letter, Ray enclosed a copy of a complaint submitted by ten fishermen, led by Mr. Uppada Dev Dasu, alleging that personnel of the Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) Rajdoot-87 physically assaulted and mistreated them while they were engaged in fishing activities in the East Island/Land Fall Island area on June 21 and 22, 2026.
Expressing deep concern over the allegations, the MP stated that the fishermen were carrying out their routine fishing operations when they were allegedly subjected to physical assault, intimidation, and inhuman treatment by Coast Guard personnel. He said the complaint, if found to be true, reflects a serious abuse of authority and warrants urgent attention at the highest level.
Ray emphasized that the fishermen of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands play a crucial role in safeguarding the country’s maritime borders by frequently providing valuable information about suspicious activities, foreign poachers, and illegal intrusions into Indian territorial waters. Instead of being encouraged and treated with dignity, he said, the complainants alleged that they were harassed and assaulted by the very personnel entrusted with protecting India’s maritime frontiers.
The MP observed that such incidents, if established, would not only constitute violations of human rights but could also adversely affect the trust and cooperation between the fishing community and maritime security agencies, which is vital for national security in the strategically important Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
In his letter, Ray requested the Defence Minister to place the concerned Coast Guard personnel under immediate suspension pending inquiry, order an impartial and high-level investigation, initiate strict disciplinary proceedings against those found responsible, and take action under the relevant provisions of the Coast Guard Act and applicable service rules. He also sought adequate medical assistance, protection, and justice for the affected fishermen.
Highlighting the gravity of the matter and the concern prevailing among the fishing community, the MP appealed for the Defence Minister’s personal intervention to ensure a fair, transparent, and expeditious investigation so that public confidence in the rule of law and the integrity of the country’s security forces is maintained.
