No decision on arresting Italian ship's crew: Kerala Police
Kochi Police Commissioner M.R. Ajith Kumar, who is facilitating and coordinating the probe into the deaths of two Indian fishermen by the security crew of an Italian ship, said on Friday that no decision has been taken on arresting the Italian crew.
Kumar said a murder case has been registered and the Kollam police has begun investigation.
"The due process of law has set in, and at the moment we have not decided on any arrest. The case has been registered against two security personnel of the Italian ship," said Kumar.
Two fishermen, Ajesh Binki, 25, from Tamil Nadu and Gelastine, 45, from Kerala, were mistaken for pirates and shot dead by the crew of an Italian ship Wednesday evening about 14 nautical miles off Alappuzha.
According to officials attached to the Italian embassy in New Delhi, navy personnel on board the ‘Enrica Lexie’ fired warning shots after they were allegedly attacked in international waters by people on an Indian fishing vessel.
"The ship and its crew are berthed in the Cochin port. We will see if we can get the concerned officials on the ship to come for further investigations. We will also see if we can proceed with our investigation on board the ship," added Kumar.
The ship has 34 people on board, of whom 19 are Indians.
Kumar has been speaking with Italian consul general Giam Paolo Cutillo.
Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs Vayalar Ravi Friday described the incident as "really unfortunate".
"This is a serious case as the victims are innocent people who eke out a living by engaging in fishing activities. The law will be taking its course," said Ravi.
Meanwhile, Coast Guard Inspector General of Police P.S. Basra told reporters here Friday that the firing was done without any provocation.
"The fishermen in the boat were not in possession of any arms as alleged by the Italian authorities," said Basra.
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