River police recover 17 bodies in 7 days

River police have recovered 17 bodies from rivers in different parts of the country over the past seven days.

The information was disclosed in a press release issued by the River Police on Thursday.

According to the release, river police conducted drives across various waterways during the period and filed 96 cases in connection with different offences.

These included three murder cases, 11 unnatural death cases, 63 cases under fisheries laws, 13 cases for reckless speed, and one case each under the sand quarry law, narcotics law, robbery, kidnapping, extortion, and the Special Powers Act.

During the week-long operations, police also seized a large quantity of illegal fishing equipment and aquatic resources. These included 2,31,73,675 metres of illegal fishing nets, 2,089 kilograms of fish, 1,99,500 bagda shrimp fry, and 490 kilograms of jelly shrimp.

Besides, 104 bulk carrier vessels were produced before maritime courts for operating without valid documents. Two dredgers were also seized during the drives.

The River Police said 302 people were arrested over the past week for their alleged involvement in different crimes on rivers and waterways.

The authorities said such operations will continue to curb illegal activities, ensure safety on waterways, protect fisheries resources, and prevent crimes in riverine areas.