Andhra Pradesh Steps Up Efforts To Bring Back 8 Vizianagaram Fishermen Detained In Bangladesh

The Andhra Pradesh government has intensified its efforts to bring home eight fishermen from Vizianagaram district who were detained by the Bangladesh Navy after their boat reportedly drifted into Bangladeshi

waters.

Officials said the state government acted swiftly after receiving information about the incident and has since been working closely with the Union Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to ensure the fishermen’s safe repatriation. Coordination is being maintained through the AP Bhavan in New Delhi, with frequent updates from the MEA’s Joint Secretary, B Shyam, who is overseeing the case.

Legal And Diplomatic Measures

A chargesheet has already been filed against the detained fishermen in Bangladesh. In response, the Indian High Commission in Dhaka has formed a dedicated legal team to assist them and push for an early release. The Andhra Pradesh government has also sought the support and cooperation of the Bangladesh Embassy in New Delhi.

Officials confirmed that constant communication is being maintained with the families of the fishermen in Vizianagaram, assuring them of continued support and timely updates.

High-Level Intervention

Union Minister of Civil Aviation, Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu, has personally taken up the matter with the External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, urging swift action for the fishermen’s return.

Meanwhile, State Minister for MSME, SERP and NRI Affairs, Kondapalli Srinivas, is closely monitoring the situation and attempting to establish satellite communication with the detained men to check on their wellbeing.

Support From Local Administration

Acting on the directions of Vizianagaram District Collector S Ramsundar Reddy, Revenue Divisional Officer (RDO) D Keerthi visited Visakhapatnam to meet the families of the detained fishermen. She briefed them about the government’s ongoing efforts and reassured them of continued assistance.

Local leaders—Vizianagaram MP Kalisetti Appalanaidu, MARKFED Chairman Karrotu Bangarraju, and Nellimarla MLA Lokam Nagamadhvi—also met the families and expressed their solidarity.

Officials said both state and central governments are making every possible effort to secure the fishermen’s early release and safe return to Andhra Pradesh.