Indian High Commission in London Monitoring Case of Merchant Navy Captain Pant: Uttarakhand Govt

– Dehradun: The Indian High Commission in London is monitoring the case of Captain Ajay Pant, a merchant navy officer from Uttarakhand’s Nainital district who was arrested in the United Kingdom for allegedly violating British sanctions on Russian oil shipments, state government officials said on Thursday. According to the official statement, the High Commission conveyed this development to Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami through a letter.

The High Commission stated that Captain Pant is currently in judicial custody at HMP Winchester. Diplomatic mission officials contacted him through the prison phone system on June 19. During the speech, Captain Pant stated that he is in good health, benefits from health care in prison and is in regular contact with his wife.

The High Commission referred the matter to the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office to ensure timely access to the consulate and to ensure Captain Pant’s safety, health and rights.

The letter stated that the mission was in constant communication with Captain Pant’s wife, legal representatives and his employer, Energios Maritime Private Limited. The employer assured the High Commission that it would provide legal assistance to Captain Pant and the necessary support to his family.

Captain Pant is scheduled to appear at his next hearing on July 16. The High Commission assured the prime minister that consular assistance and support will continue to be provided to the captain and his family.

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said that the state government is sensitive to the interests of its citizens and is in constant touch with the Union government, Ministry of External Affairs and the Indian High Commission.

He expressed confidence that all relevant agencies were working in coordination to provide the necessary assistance to Captain Pant.

Pant, 38, was the captain of the Russian shadow fleet tanker MV Smyrtoz, reportedly carrying 98,000 tonnes of crude oil, which was stopped in the English Channel on June 14 during a joint operation by the UK’s National Crime Agency and the British Armed Forces.