Thu Feb 06 19:00:00 UTC 2025: ## From Coastal Village to Delhi: Woman’s Relentless Fight Frees Fisherman Husband from Pakistani Prison
**Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh:** A gripping tale of a wife’s unwavering determination has culminated in the release of her husband and 21 other fishermen from a Pakistani prison, a story now inspiring a Telugu film. Nookamma, a resident of a remote village in Srikakulam district, embarked on a tireless journey to secure the freedom of her husband, Ganagalla Ramarao, after he and his crew were imprisoned for 14 months following an accidental crossing into Pakistani waters during a fishing trip to Veraval, Gujarat.
The fishermen, under Ramarao’s leadership, strayed into Pakistani territorial waters due to adverse weather conditions and malfunctioning wireless sets. Initially promised release by Pakistani coast guards, they were later detained in Karachi. Facing harsh conditions and uncertainty, Ramarao endured immense hardship, separated from his pregnant wife.
Upon learning of her husband’s plight, Nookamma, despite being heavily pregnant, refused to be disheartened. She relentlessly pursued justice, appealing to authorities and eventually bringing her case to the attention of Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy during his Praja Sankalpa Yatra. Reddy’s intervention played a crucial role in securing the release of the fishermen after 14 months of imprisonment. Nookamma’s perseverance, even while giving birth to a daughter during her husband’s imprisonment, serves as an inspiration.
“I never lost hope,” Nookamma stated, recalling her journey from her village to Delhi, seeking help from government officials. Ramarao, upon his release, expressed gratitude for his wife’s efforts, stating, “My wife’s struggle led to my freedom. Seeing her with our newborn daughter after those months of separation was overwhelming.”
The couple’s ordeal is now the subject of a Telugu film, “Tandell,” highlighting Nookamma’s courageous fight and the crucial support received from Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy’s government. The film’s release is scheduled for February 7th. This real-life story showcases the strength of a woman’s unwavering dedication and the power of perseverance in the face of adversity.
First Piper 