Fri May 16 10:42:35 UTC 2025: ## News Article: India Accused of Illegally Deporting Rohingya Refugees, Abandoning Them at Sea
**Mumbai – May 16, 2025** – The People’s Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL) has issued a scathing condemnation of the Indian government, accusing it of illegally deporting 40 Rohingya refugees and abandoning them in international waters near Myanmar. The human rights organization alleges the deportation, which reportedly occurred after the refugees were detained under the guise of biometric data collection, constitutes a grave violation of both domestic and international law.
According to PUCL’s detailed statement, the refugees, some registered with the UNHCR, were forcibly removed from Delhi and transported to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands before being placed on naval vessels and abandoned near the conflict-ridden Tanintharyi region. The group included minors, elderly individuals, and those with serious health conditions.
The organization claims the refugees were subjected to mistreatment, including physical abuse and interrogation, while aboard the vessels. One survivor recounted allegations of sexual harassment and being accused of involvement in a terrorist attack before being left at sea.
PUCL president Kavita Srivastava compared the Modi government’s refugee policy to the “pushback” policies advocated by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and the former Trump administration, citing a disregard for the rule of law and international humanitarian principles.
While the National Unity Government of Myanmar has confirmed rescuing 40 individuals believed to be part of the deported group, the whereabouts of three remain unknown. Reports suggest that at least 14 additional refugees were illegally detained and subjected to custodial violence.
PUCL general secretary Dr. V. Suresh argues that the deportation violates India’s obligations under international law, including the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide. He emphasized the vulnerability of the Rohingya minority and the moral implications of returning them to a region facing allegations of conflict and genocide.
The Supreme Court declined to intervene in a plea against the deportation on May 8, with the Union government arguing that constitutional rights guaranteeing residency only apply to citizens. PUCL countered that the right to life and personal liberty extends to all individuals regardless of citizenship.
Despite India not being a signatory to the UN Refugee Convention, PUCL asserts that deportation procedures are bound by the Foreigners Act and related legal frameworks. The organization maintains that the treatment of the refugees constitutes torture and violates India’s commitments under the United Nations Convention Against Torture.
With approximately 22,500 Rohingya refugees registered with UNHCR India, the incident raises serious concerns about the protection and rights of vulnerable refugee populations within the country. The PUCL concludes that this action represents a “disturbing moment in India’s human rights history.”
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