Mumbai special court sentences 44 Somali pirates to life imprisonment, praises Indian Navy

In March 2024, a hijacking alert was received from Iranian-flagged FV Al Kambar, leading to the arrest of nine Somali nationals after INS Trishul and Sumedha responded.

Published — July 20, 2026 08:50 pm IST — Mumbai

PTI

A special court in Mumbai on Monday (July 20, 2026) sentenced 44 Somali nationals to life imprisonment in two separate cases on charges of piracy and other offences.

The court also commended the bravery of the Indian Navy for discharging its legal and international duties in letter and spirit, despite the costs and risks involved.

While imposing the maximum punishment of life imprisonment, Special Judge S.B. Dige noted that the offences committed by the accused were serious in nature.

All 44 accused — 35 in one case and nine in the other — had pleaded guilty before the court and sought leniency.

The court acknowledged the poor condition of the accused and the fact that they had voluntarily pleaded guilty. However, it stated:

"But on the other hand, the act of piracy on high sea by hijacking a vessel and keeping crew members hostage for ransom by attempting to kill them and to keep them as human shield and not obeying the lawful directions of Indian Navy are very serious things which cannot be taken casually."

The accused were convicted under the Indian Penal Code, Arms Act, Passport Act, Foreigners Act, Maritime Anti-Piracy Act, and the Explosive Substances Act.

Case 1: Hijacking of FV Al Kambar

In the case involving nine accused, the prosecution stated that Indian Naval Ships Trishul and Sumedha were deployed in the Gulf of Aden (east coast of Somalia) for an anti-piracy mission.

In March 2024, a hijacking alert was received from the Iranian-flagged FV Al Kambar, leading to the arrest of nine Somali nationals after INS Trishul and Sumedha responded.

The prosecution claimed the pirates abducted and held the crew of the Iranian ship hostage for approximately three days, demanding ransom and threatening to kill or harm them with deadly weapons, including AK-47 rifles and hand grenades.

The accused also opened fire on the Indian warships, committing terrorist acts that warranted the harshest punishment, the prosecution argued.

The nine accused sought leniency on the grounds that they were poor, uneducated Somali citizens with young children at home. They also noted that they had voluntarily pleaded guilty and that India and Somalia maintain cordial diplomatic relations.

Case 2: Hijacking of MV Ex-Ruen

In the second case, INS Kolkata apprehended 35 accused — all Somali nationals — in December 2023. They had abducted the Merchant Vessel (MV) Ex-Ruen, a Malta-flagged bulk carrier.

These accused were also charged and convicted under provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

Published — July 20, 2026 08:50 pm IST