Indian Families Petition Delhi HC for 16 Sailors Detained in Iran
The families of 16 Indian sailors detained in Iran are advocating for their loved ones’ immediate release following the interception of the oil tanker MT Valiant Roar. The ship was seized by Iran’s Revolutionary Guard on December 8, 2022, near Dibba, UAE. As the situation unfolds, the sailors’ families are turning to the Delhi High Court for assistance, seeking consular access and intervention from Indian authorities.
Background on the Detention
The interception involved allegations that the MT Valiant Roar was engaged in smuggling 6,000 tonnes of fuel. These claims have been adamantly disputed by the crew and their families. Captain Vijay Kumar, a resident of Meerut, leads the crew, which includes 16 Indians, one Bangladeshi, and one Sri Lankan.
Events Leading Up to the Seizure
On December 8, Captain Vijay informed his cousin, Vinod Kumar, that they were being pursued by Iranian patrol boats. Remarkably, this was the last communication Vinod had with him for nearly two weeks. After weeks of silence, Captain Vijay finally reached out on December 22 to confirm their detention under armed escort.
Family Reactions and Legal Action
- The families are deeply concerned about the welfare of their loved ones.
- They approached the Delhi High Court on January 10, launching a petition for the detained sailors’ rights.
- Recent updates reveal that communication stops were enforced following visits to the ship’s crew.
Vinod Kumar actively contacted various Indian governmental bodies after learning about the sailors’ situation. Despite efforts to extract information regarding their detention, he faced dismissive responses from the shipping company involved.
Life of the Detained Sailors
The families of the detained men are grappling with the uncertainty surrounding their loved ones. Mukesh Mehta, whose son Ketan is among the sailors, received distressing news from an unknown caller revealing his son’s arrest early in January. Ketan, a third engineer, had joined MT Valiant Roar on July 1, 2022, expecting to return home shortly after completing his contract.
During their detention, the sailors reportedly have been confined to a single mess room and permitted limited communication with the outside world. Vinod Kumar shared that 10 crew members were transferred to a prison in Bandar Abbas, while eight others remain aboard the vessel. Consular access has been a primary concern, prompting the Indian embassy to engage with Iranian officials to secure communication for the sailors.
Official Responses
The Indian embassy in Iran has made concerted efforts to seek consular access for the detained sailors. They reached out to Iranian authorities on December 14, reiterating requests through diplomatic channels. Ongoing discussions aim to ensure that the sailors can contact their families directly.
As this situation develops, families of the Indian sailors hope for a swift resolution and the safe return of their loved ones. The community remains vigilant, organizing support and communication efforts to navigate the complicated diplomatic landscape.
