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The Indian High Commission in London is overseeing the case of Captain Ajay Pant, a merchant navy officer from Nainital in Uttarakhand, who was arrested in the UK over an alleged violation of British sanctions linked to Russian oil shipments, Uttarakhand government officials said on Thursday (June 25), according to a PTI report.
According to an official statement, the High Commission conveyed the update to Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami through a letter.
The letter said Captain Pant is being held in judicial custody at HMP Winchester. Officials from the High Commission spoke to him via the prison telephone system on June 19. During the conversation, he said he was in good health, had access to medical care in prison, and remained in regular contact with his wife.
The High Commission has taken up the matter with the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office to obtain timely consular access and ensure Captain Pant's safety, wellbeing and legal rights.
It also said the mission has been maintaining regular contact with Captain Pant's wife, his legal team and his employer, Energios Maritime Private Limited. The company has assured the High Commission that it will arrange legal support for Captain Pant and provide the necessary assistance to his family.
Captain Pant is due to appear in court for his next hearing on July 16. The High Commission said it would continue extending consular support to both him and his family.
Chief Minister Dhami said the Uttarakhand government remains committed to safeguarding the interests of its citizens and is in constant coordination with the Union government, the Ministry of External Affairs and the Indian High Commission.
He said all the concerned authorities are working together to ensure Captain Pant receives the necessary assistance.
According to the PTI report, Pant, 38, was serving as the captain of MV Smyrtoz, a Russian shadow fleet tanker reportedly carrying 98,000 tonnes of crude oil, when it was intercepted in the English Channel on June 14 during a joint operation by the UK National Crime Agency and the British Armed Forces.
According to an official statement, the High Commission conveyed the update to Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami through a letter.
The letter said Captain Pant is being held in judicial custody at HMP Winchester. Officials from the High Commission spoke to him via the prison telephone system on June 19. During the conversation, he said he was in good health, had access to medical care in prison, and remained in regular contact with his wife.
The High Commission has taken up the matter with the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office to obtain timely consular access and ensure Captain Pant's safety, wellbeing and legal rights.
It also said the mission has been maintaining regular contact with Captain Pant's wife, his legal team and his employer, Energios Maritime Private Limited. The company has assured the High Commission that it will arrange legal support for Captain Pant and provide the necessary assistance to his family.
Captain Pant is due to appear in court for his next hearing on July 16. The High Commission said it would continue extending consular support to both him and his family.
Chief Minister Dhami said the Uttarakhand government remains committed to safeguarding the interests of its citizens and is in constant coordination with the Union government, the Ministry of External Affairs and the Indian High Commission.
He said all the concerned authorities are working together to ensure Captain Pant receives the necessary assistance.
According to the PTI report, Pant, 38, was serving as the captain of MV Smyrtoz, a Russian shadow fleet tanker reportedly carrying 98,000 tonnes of crude oil, when it was intercepted in the English Channel on June 14 during a joint operation by the UK National Crime Agency and the British Armed Forces.
