18 fishermen abducted in 24 hours in Sundarbans

At least 18 fishermen have been abducted by forest bandits within a span of 24 hours in the Sundarbans, with another six reportedly kidnapped according to local sources on Wednesday night (May 20).

The latest incident occurred around midnight in the Sagar Dweep Chaprakhali area under the Shoronkhola Range of the eastern Sundarbans, where armed members of the “Jahangir Group” allegedly abducted six fishermen at gunpoint.

Five of the abducted fishermen have been identified as Hafizul, 24, and Faizur, 20, two brothers from Uttar Rajapur village in Shoronkhola, along with Bellal Mir, 35, Choleman, 40, and Hasib, 21, from Patharghata’s Padmasluice village.

Earlier, the same group reportedly abducted 12 fishermen from the Fusphush Char area of the Sundarbans on Tuesday night (May 19).

Sources familiar with the situation said the Jahangir Group is currently considered one of the largest and most powerful forest bandit groups operating in the Sundarbans, posing a serious threat to fishermen and honey collectors due to their superior arms and manpower.

Fishermen’s boat owners said the attackers stormed fishing boats and trawlers while the victims were catching fish in the river and abducted them at gunpoint.

Repeated abductions have created widespread fear among fishermen, many of whom are now avoiding entering the forest due to safety concerns. Local traders and fishermen have also reported severe financial losses as ransom demands continue to push families into debt.

They have urged authorities to intensify operations similar to past crackdowns to make the Sundarbans free of banditry.

A forest official from the Shalla Char patrol outpost under the eastern Sundarbans confirmed the incidents, saying that 12 fishermen abducted earlier remain missing, and another six were taken more recently.

He added that the Forest Department is making all possible efforts to ensure the safety of fishermen in the area.