Bangladesh Coast Guard has jailed 164 fishermen in Chittagong and seized 13 Indian fishing trawlers which had sailed into the neighbouring country's waters last week.
West Bengal Sunderbans Development Minister Manturam Pakhira told reporters here that the fishing boats had been missing for the last one week and their whereabouts became known when a fisherman from Bangladesh rang up the West Bengal United Fishermen Association (WBUFA) yesterday.
The WBUFA was told by the fisherman that all 164 fishermen had been put in a jail in Chittagong, one of whom, Sanjib Samanta (40) from Kakdwip, had died after a heart attack two days ago, he said.
The minister said attempts were being made to establish communication with Bangladesh Coast Guard for the release of the incarcerated Indian fishermen.
