Bhatkal: Fishermen kidnapped; Miscreants decamp with fish and diesel

Bhatkal: A deep-sea fishing expedition turned into a harrowing ordeal for seven fishermen who were abducted by a band of approximately 25 individuals while they were returning on the night of February 26.

The abducted fishermen are Nagaraj Harikant, Nagaraj H, Arun Harikant Ankola, Ashoka Kumata, Karthika Harikant Manki, Chandrakanta Harikant Upupanda, and Subrahmanya Kharvi.

The boat, named Krishnananda, belonging to Chetan Salyan of Malpe, encountered a sudden halt when its net snagged in the fanny near Bhatkal, causing the engine to stall and leaving the vessel stranded. Seizing the opportunity, the assailants swiftly descended upon the boat, forcibly towing it ashore. Amidst the chaos, fish worth 8 lakhs rupees and a substantial quantity of diesel totaling 7,500 liters, were looted from the vessel.

Tragically, the ordeal did not end there. The perpetrators, exhibiting brazen audacity, also kidnapped seven fishermen from the boat, holding them hostage.

Reports indicate that communication with the fishermen became impossible as their mobile phones were switched off by the abductors.

A formal complaint has been lodged, prompting the registration of a case at the Malpe police station. The investigation into the matter is currently underway.