Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji

Panaji, Apr 25: Coastal police in Goa have registered an FIR against fishing trawler owners and tandels after four vessels allegedly escaped from fisheries department custody, raising concerns over enforcement of fishing regulations.

According to police, the fisheries department had seized 10 trawlers for illegal fishing in Goan waters. The vessels were impounded at the Mandovi River following a joint operation.

However, four trawlers reportedly fled from custody on Thursday. These included one unregistered vessel, one from Ratnagiri in Maharashtra, and two from Honnavar in Karnataka.

Police have registered offences under Sections 303(2) (theft) and 223 (disobedience to lawful orders by a public servant) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

The accused have been identified as Rosy Anton Fernandes and Fareed Abdul Sab from Honnavar in Karnataka, Faiyaz Adam Borkar from Ratnagiri, and Narayan Subray Ambij, linked to the unregistered vessel.

Police Inspector Sajith Pillai said the trawlers were detained for fishing without permission and brought to the Panaji jetty.

The fisheries department had issued strict impounding orders and directed crew members to remain onboard to safeguard the vessels and prevent tampering.

“However, the accused fishermen took away their fishing vessels without permission from the competent authority, thereby committing theft and disobeying the impounding order,” Pillai said.

Further investigation is underway.