Fishermen's killers must be punished: Vasan

Chennai - Shipping Minister G.K. Vasan Monday said the killing of two Indian fishermen by security personnel of an Italian ship is an unpardonable crime.

He told reporters here: “Indian waters are peaceful and not a pirate zone. The killing of two Indian fishermen is an unpardonable crime. They (the killers) have to be punished.”

Vasan said the killers will be punished so that it serves as an example to others.

Two fishermen, Ajesh Binki, 25, and Gelastine, 45, were mistaken as pirates and shot dead by the crew of the Italian cargo vessel Enrica Lexie Wednesday evening, 14 nautical miles off Alappuzha.

According to Vasan, the mercantile marine department of his ministry is also enquiring into the incident and would determine what led to the shooting.