Fisherman shot dead in Paradip Sea; Coast Guard orders inquiry

ONI Bureau:  A fisherman was allegedly shot dead by Coast Guard personnel while fishing in deep sea in restricted Gahirmatha area of Paradip Sea late last night.

The Indian Coast Guard has clarified that the vessel carrying 9 fishermen was moving in a suspicious manner at around 9:20 pm last night. There was no light in the vessel.

Though the Indian Coast Guard ship tried to stop the boat but it didn’t. Finally, they had fired warning shots in air to stop the vessel.

After stopping the boat, one person was found injured and he was brought to Paradip port hospital where he was declared dead.

The deceased has been identified as Mayadhar Mallick of Naranapur village in Balasore district.

Following the incident, the officials of Rajnagar forest division have arrested 8 other fishermen and have seized the boat.

A board of inquiry has been ordered into the incident and action will be taken accordingly, said DIG Coast Guard Rakesh Makwana in a statement.