Indian captain arrested in banned oil tanker case, family in Uttarakhand seeks help from central government

New Delhi: Britain has arrested Indian Captain Ajay Pant of an oil tanker of the Russian Shadow Fleet after it was stopped in the English Channel. The captain is accused of breaking the ban imposed against Russia. The wife and family of Ajay Pant, a resident of Nainital, Uttarakhand, have appealed to the Government of India for his early release and return home.

Know what is the whole matter?

Ajay Pant, 38, was the owner of the tanker MV Smirtos. This tanker was going to Sikka Port in Gujarat, India after loading 1,01,400 tonnes of Ural crude oil from Ust-Luga Terminal in Russia on June 4. On June 14, British Armed Forces intercepted the tanker in the English Channel. Royal Marine Commandos landed from the helicopter and took control of the tanker.

Let us tell you that Ajay Pant was presented in the Southampton Magistrate Court on 16 June. He is accused of violating the Russia (Sanctions) Regulations 2019. The court sent him to custody. The next hearing will take place at Bournemouth Crown Court on 16 July. The maximum punishment for this crime is 10 years in jail.

Ajay Pant’s wife said – he is not guilty

Ajay Pant’s wife Ritu said that she got the news of her husband’s arrest from British media and social media. He said that Ajay has been working in the maritime sector for 15 years. His career has been completely clean. They were just following the company’s orders. They are not guilty.

Uttarakhand Home Secretary Shailesh Bagauli said that the state government has written a letter to the Ministry of External Affairs for help. The Regional Commissioner in Delhi is coordinating with the Central Authorities. Ajay Pant has been given consular access at the Indian High Commission. 24 Indian and Georgian crew members are still on board the tanker. The tanker is anchored near Weymouth (Dorset) and is under surveillance for environmental and safety reasons.