'Slap murder charge against ICG ship crew for trawler mishap'

A member of Goa Legislative Assembly today demanded that a case of murder be registered against the crew members of the Indian Coast Guard ship, which fled after hitting a fishing trawler off Goa coast last week, resulting in the death of six fishermen.
Moving a calling attention motion on the floor of the House today, independent MLA Vijay Sardesai demanded that the crew members of ICGS Vaibhav ship, which collided with the fishing trawler mid-sea, leaving behind six dead, be arrested.
Responding to the demand, Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar said that Yellow Gate Police, Mumbai were already carrying out investigation into the offence, while a Board of Inquiry has been initiated by the Coast Guard.

Goa Police have also registered the offence, Parrikar said. "If we are directed by the Yellow Gate police, then offence of murder can be registered. But till then, they can be booked under section 304 (culpable homicide)," he said.
While responding to the motion, Parrikar also announced a compensation of Rs two lakh each from the Chief Minister's relief fund to the families of six deceased fishermen.
Expressing grave concern over such an incident, Parrikar said, "It is a case of hit-and-run."
"Had the rescue operation been initiated immediately, then the six lives would have been saved," the chief minister said.