Pirates loot valuables from trawlers in Bay

BAGERHAT, July 13 : Pirates looted fish and other valuables worth over Tk 1.3 million from 18 fishing trawlers, leaving 20 fishermen injured at Narikelbaria area adjacent to the Sunderbans in the Bay here Thursday night. They also abducted 25 fishermen along with three trawlers and demanded Tk 0.5 million as ransom for their release. Sources said, when a group of fishermen were fishing at Narikelbaria area the gang numbering 20/25 swooped on their trawlers and looted fish, fishing nets and other valuables. With this, pirates looted valuables worth over Tk 3.5 million from 28 trawlers from the Bay in the last five days and kidnapped over 100 fishermen for realising ransom. Coast Guards have, so far, rescued 76 fishermen with four trawlers in separate drives. But none of the pirates was arrested and no looted valuables were recovered. — UNB