Mon Jan 06 23:18:04 IST 2025: ## West Bengal CM Alleges Torture of Repatriated Fishermen
**Kolkata, January 6, 2025** – West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has accused Bangladesh of torturing 95 Indian fishermen recently repatriated after being imprisoned for allegedly crossing maritime boundaries. The fishermen, released on Sunday as part of a prisoner exchange agreement between India and Bangladesh, were received by Ms. Banerjee on Sagar Island on Monday.
Ms. Banerjee stated that she observed signs of torture on several fishermen, including limping and bruising. Fishermen corroborated these claims, recounting incidents of beatings and the seizure of their belongings. One fisherman reportedly died after jumping into the water, prompting the Chief Minister to announce a ₹2 lakh ex-gratia payment to his family. Each of the remaining 95 fishermen will receive ₹10,000.
The fishermen were apprehended between October and November 2024. Simultaneously, India returned 90 Bangladeshi fishermen apprehended for similar violations. Ms. Banerjee highlighted a contrasting incident where India provided medical care to sick Bangladeshi fishermen who had entered Indian waters, emphasizing the humanitarian approach taken by her state.
The Chief Minister instructed local officials to provide medical assistance to the injured fishermen and urged them to prioritize their safety over fishing in disputed waters. The incident has raised concerns about the treatment of Indian fishermen in Bangladeshi custody.
First Piper 