Andhra Fishermen Released from Bangladesh Jail After Three-Month Ordeal
In a heartwarming turn of events, nine fishermen from Andhra Pradesh, who had been imprisoned in Bangladesh for three months, have finally been freed and are on their way home. The fishermen, hailing from Visakhapatnam, were detained by the Bangladesh Coast Guard in October after their boat accidentally drifted into Bangladeshi territorial waters due to an engine failure.
A Long-Awaited Homecoming with a Surprise
Among the released fishermen is Surada, whose wife, Anitha Appalakonda, is eagerly anticipating his return to share life-changing news. In December, while Surada was incarcerated, Anitha gave birth to a baby boy. She has been unable to communicate with her husband for months, leaving her uncertain if he is aware of his newfound fatherhood.
Anitha expressed her relief, stating, "I went through immense mental torture since his phone became unreachable on October 13. But I had to stay strong for our baby and hope for the best." The emotional strain was compounded by her advanced pregnancy at the time of Surada's arrest, with no means to check on his well-being.
Challenges and Efforts Behind the Release
The fishermen were held in a jail in Bangladesh's Bagerhat district until a court ordered their release on January 21. Their freedom was delayed due to legal hurdles, including a postponed court hearing caused by the death penalty proceedings of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, which sparked unrest and curfews across parts of the country.
V Satyanarayana, the boat owner, played a crucial role in facilitating their release. Through contacts in the fishing industries of Odisha and West Bengal, he collaborated with the Fisheries Department to engage a lawyer in Bangladesh. Satyanarayana explained, "We filed petitions in court and managed the logistics, spending around Rs 3 lakh on legal fees, engine repairs, and daily food deliveries to the jail."
Families' Anguish and Community Support
The families of the fishermen, originally from Vizianagaram but working in Visakhapatnam for better pay, endured significant distress. Yelamma, mother of fisherman M Appanna, shared, "Reports of violence in Bangladesh terrified us, and my husband and I fell ill from worry." Similarly, Sunita, a relative of another fisherman, noted that hiring a lawyer provided reassurance about their safety.
P Lakshman Rao, joint director of the Fisheries Department, highlighted the socio-economic struggles of these families, stating, "They belong to weaker sections and face hardships when fishermen are arrested, bearing the brunt of lost income." The boat owner and donors ensured weekly payments and dry rations for the families during the ordeal.
Conclusion: A Joyful Reunion Ahead
As the fishermen make their journey back to Andhra Pradesh, their release marks the end of a challenging chapter. For Anitha and Surada, it heralds a joyful reunion where she can finally reveal the happy news of their son's birth, bringing closure to months of uncertainty and fear.
