JOIN USDistrict In-Charge Minister Jayamala on Saturday visited the houses of Suvarna Thribuja boat owner Chandrashekar Kotian and fisherman Damodar, who went missing, along with the boat, and consoled the family members.
The minister met Chandrashekar's wife Shamala amd Damodar's wife Mohini.
The boat, that had left for deep sea fishing from Malpe on December 13, went missing from December 15 midnight and has remained untraceable till today.
Speaking to mediapersons, she said, "We are confident that the seven fishermen, who were on board the boat, will return safely. The fishermen community fear that fishermen have been kidnapped by sea pirates. The government has carried out search operations using the services of Coast Guard and Navy as well. The district administration has taken all the measures to ensure that search operations were carried out."
She appealed to the community members not to lose hope. The Coastal Security Police, Coast Guard and fisheries department have already been alerted. The search operations have been carried out in Goa and Maharashtra as well, she added.
She said that the state government has already written to the armed forces to help in the search operations. All efforts are being made to trace the fishermen.
"We are aware of the conditions of the fishermen families. The Home Minister has visited Udupi and will discuss with the police officials on the future course of action. The fishermen should not live in fear," she said.
She appealed to the fishermen to drop the proposed protest on January 6. "Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy will visit Udupi shortly. Let us all work in unity, to trace the missing fishermen."
IGP (Western Range) Arun Chakravarthy said that five investigation teams from Karnataka have left for Maharashtra as a part of the search operation. The search operations will be carried out in Goa, Ratnagiri, Devgad and Sindhudurg (all 3 in Maharashtra) as well.
Fisherman Girish said the latest technology should be used to trace the seven missing fishermen. The State government should impress upon the Centre in this regard, he added.
On IT raids, Jayamala said that IT officers were discharging their duties. "Nothing will happen to our Kannada film fraternity. Children of Rajkumar, actors Yash and Sudeep are honest. We have to pay our tax. I am confident that they have all paid their taxes," she said.