Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (JD)
Udupi, June 27: Three fishermen from Tamil Nadu, who were apprehended aboard an Omani vessel for unlawfully entering Indian territorial waters, have been found guilty and fined for the offence.
On February 24, 2025, during a routine sea patrol, Sukhwinder Singh, chief officer of the Mangaluru Coast Guard, and his team spotted a boat from Oman carrying three individuals who had entered Indian waters without authorisation. A formal complaint was subsequently filed, and Lokesh A C, inspector of the Malpe coastal security police station, registered a case.
The accused — Indian nationals James Franklin, Robinston, and Tiros alias Diroz — had travelled to Oman for fishing-related employment. However, facing financial difficulties and unpaid wages, they were reportedly stranded. The investigation revealed that their passports were allegedly withheld by their Omani employer, Abdullah, the boat owner, despite repeated requests for their return.
Unable to return to India legally, the trio entered Indian waters without valid passports or permits. A detailed investigation was conducted by the Malpe coastal security police under the supervision of senior officers, led by PSI Shivashankar. Statements were recorded from 33 witnesses. The inquiry confirmed violations under Section 6(a) of the Foreigners Order, 1950, and Section 14 of the Foreigners Act, 1981.
Following the trial at the court of the principal senior civil judge and CJM, all three were found guilty. The court imposed fines of Rs 10,000 each on Accused 1 and 2, and Rs 60,000 on Accused 3, totalling Rs 80,000.