Southwest monsoon to retreat from Odisha in next 2 days
The southwest monsoon has started to withdraw from the coastal state, the India Meteorological Department (IMD)’s Bhubaneswar regional centre said on Sunday.
The Board of the Indian Coast Guard has ordered an inquiry into the interception of a boat on sea and firing in which a fisherman, Mayadhar Mallick, was killed, sparking protests from the fishermen community here on Saturday.
The incident is said to have taken place at around 9 pm on Saturday.
Fishermen of Paradip, Balasore, Kendrapara, and Dhamra area staged a protest in the front of the Coast Guard office here demanding the arrest of those involved in the firing and death of the fisherman.
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The deceased belonged to Balasore district. Fishermen communities, including different associations of Paradip, Balasore, and Kendrapara have united and intensified their stir to take action against the errant ICG personnel.
Odisha Marine Fish Producer Association president Srikant Parida has demanded that it should be treated as a case of murder.
Mallick, who was the driver of the trawler, attempted to flee from the spot, fearing that the ICG personnel would take his fish catch and seize the boat. The fishermen, at the dharna spot, alleged that several rounds were fired and Mallick had multiple bullet injuries.
Sada Mallick, the widow of Mayadhar Mallick, said that her husband was operating a trawler named Kanan in mid-sea where crew members were fishing when the coast guard patrol stopped them and demanded money, saying fishing in the area was illegal. They also demanded the fish which was stocked on the boat. She alleged that they fired when the fishermen refused to part with their catch.
She has lodged a complaint at Paradip police station.
The IIC of Paradip police station, Rajani Kant Samal, has confirmed the receipt of the complaint. “We have started investigations,” said Samal.
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