Indian fishermen killing row: Kerala Court rejects bail plea of two Italian marines

A district court in Kerala, on Saturday refused to entertain the bail application of two Italian marines accused of allegedly killing two Indian fishermen off Kerala port, stating that it was necessary to retain them in custody to ensure their further attendance in the court.

Rejecting the bail, Kollam District Sessions Court judge P D Rajan expressed doubts over the assurance given by the Italian government that accused would be present before the court for trial in future.

While their custody will ensure their appearance in the court, added court.

The court order comes a day after a special investigation team of the Kerala Police filed a 196-page charge sheet against the two Italians.

Italian marines Latorre Massimillano and Salvatore Girone, posted aboard cargo vessel M.V. Enrica lexie, were arrested Feb 20 for shooting dead Indian fishermen, Ajesh Binki, 25, and Gelastine, 45, after allegedly mistaking them for pirates. The incident occurred Feb 15, about 14 nautical miles off Alappuzha in Kerala.

Currently the two marines are lodged in the Thiruvananthapuram Central Prison and their judicial custody ends on May 25.

Early this month, Italian authorities reached an out-of-court settlement by paying Rs.10 million each to the families of the deceased fishermen and Rs.1.7 million to the boat owner J. Freddy for damaging his vessel. On May 5, the Italian vessel was allowed to sail out from Kochi.

--With IANS Inputs--