A month after three countries agreed to send their nationals to depose against Somalian pirates before a sessions court, the Maharashtra government has sanctioned Rs 20.95 lakhs to facilitate their lodging, boarding and other expenses.
"The Maharashtra government last week sanctioned Rs 20.95 lakhs so that 91 foreigners, belonging to six countries can come and depose as witnesses against 120 arrested Somalian pirates," special public prosecutor Ranjeet Sangle said today.
The session court is trying 120 Somali pirates arrested by Indian Navy and Coast Guard from high seas in several operations by the Indian Navy and Coast Guard between January and April 2011
Till now only three countries - Mozambique, Iran and Indonesia - have replied to the summons but with a rider that the police will have to provide for their lodging, boarding, etc. Pakistan, Thailand and Myanmar have not responded till now.
Even after sending six letters to Mozambique (after receiving their reply), the country has not yet confirmed when they will be sending their nationals, Sangle said.
"We had also sent a letter to the Indian High Commissioner in Mozambique telling them that as soon as the witnesses apply for visa it should be given," he added.
A total of 120 sea brigands were apprehended between January and March 2011 and charged under relevant sections of Indian Penal Code and Arms Act.
The first batch of 15 pirates, holding 20 Thai and Myanmarese nationals as hostages on their mother vessel 'Prantalay 14', was intercepted by Indian Navy on January 28, 2011. On February 6, the Navy and Coast Guard had intercepted another vessel 'Prantalay 11' and rescued 24 Thai nationals and arrested 28 pirates.
In March 2011, two vessels - 'Vega 5' and 'Morteza' - were intercepted and 77 pirates held.
Their charges include kidnapping, murder and under Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA).
The court had framed charges against all the pirates in January last year. A total of 17 witnesses have been examined so far while 50 more are yet to depose.
