Indian Navy hands over 35 Somali pirates caught last week to Mumbai Police: Here's all you need to know
Somali pirates
Recently, the Indian Navy rescued 17 crew members from the vessel MV Ruen during an anti-piracy operation that led to the capture of 35 Somali pirates who had taken over the ship. The pirates were handed over to the Mumbai Police on Saturday (Mar23) after completing formalities with Customs and Immigration.
Mumbai Police officials took the pirates in their custody and registered a case under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code, Maritime Anti Piracy Act and the Arms Act.
How did the Indian Navy conduct this operation?
Last December, Somali pirates had hijacked the Bulgarian ship MV Ruen and last week they ventured out of Somali waters with piracy intentions, but the Indian Navy stepped in to thwart it.
On March 15, INS Kolkata intercepted the pirate ship, disabling its steering system and navigational aids, forcing it to halt. The operation involved a navy destroyer, a patrol ship, an Indian Air Force C-17 transporter flying over 1,500 miles to airdrop marine commandos, a naval drone, a reconnaissance drone, and a P-8 surveillance jet.
A press note by the Ministry of Defence read, “The Indian Navy as part of Maritime Security Operations has been carrying out extensive surveillance in the region including monitoring of traffic in Areas of Interest. Based on analysis of surveillance information, the Indian Navy was able to track the movement of the pirate ship Ruen and directed INS Kolkata to intercept the ship about 260 nautical miles (NM) east of Somalia.”
The Indian Navy safely evacuated all 17 original crew members of MV Ruen without any harm. Additionally, the 35 Somali pirates surrendered themselves the same day.
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The pirates will face legal action under Indian laws, including the Maritime Anti-Piracy Act and the Arms Act.
Gratitude from Bulgaria
Bulgarian leaders, including President Rumen Radev and Foreign Minister Mariya Gabriel, expressed gratitude to India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the successful operation. "My sincere gratitude to (PM Modi) for the brave action of (the) Navy rescuing the hijacked Bulgarian ship 'Ruen' and its crew, including 7 Bulgarian citizens," Radev tweeted on X.
Operation Sankalp
This operation carried out by INS Kolkata is part of the ongoing Operation Sankalp, where the Indian Navy ensures the safety of mercantile trade and seafarers in the Gulf of Aden and the Arabian Sea.
(With inputs from agencies)
