UK Arrest: Russian Oil Tanker Gujarat Bound; Captain Pants Wife Appeals to PM Modi
Merchant Navy Captain Ajay Pant from Nainital, Uttarakhand, has been arrested in the United Kingdom on allegations of illegally transporting Russian oil. The arrest was made by the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA).
According to British newspaper The Guardian, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the action as part of measures taken against Russia. Following his appearance before a British court, Ajay Pant was remanded in judicial custody.
The next hearing is scheduled for July 16 at Bournemouth Crown Court. According to The Guardian, he could face a maximum prison sentence of 10 years if convicted. Pant is a resident of Ramnagar in Nainital district.
Arrest and Charges
On the night of June 14, the British Army took control of Ajay Pant’s ship. The British Army entered the ship with guns, seized documents, and arrested Captain Pant. He was charged with allegedly violating Rule 46Z9B of the Russia (Sanctions) Regulations 2019, which prohibits the maritime supply of restricted Russian oil to third countries.
Prosecutor Varun Chuni told the court that the tanker was carrying a large cargo of oil worth millions. Defence lawyer James Diamond argued that Pant was acting under instructions from his employers and had not acted independently, describing him as an employee carrying out corporate directives.
Uttarakhand Government Seeks MEA’s Intervention
Ajay Pant’s wife, Ritu Pant, said she learned about her husband’s arrest through social media and British media reports. She stated that Pant has worked in the maritime sector for the past 15 years and has maintained a clean professional record.
The Uttarakhand government has sought assistance from India‘s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). State Home Secretary Shailesh Bagoli said the central government has been approached to help secure Pant’s release and ensure his safe return to India.
Timeline of Events
June 4: Vessel sails from Russia to India On June 4, the oil tanker MV Smyrtos loaded 101,400 tonnes of crude oil at Russia’s Ust-Luga terminal and departed for Sikka Port in Gujarat.
June 14: British commandos board tanker On June 14, the vessel reportedly entered British territorial waters without a valid national flag. According to reports, acting on instructions from Prime Minister Keir Starmer, the UK Ministry of Defence and the National Crime Agency launched a joint operation.
Royal Marine commandos reportedly boarded the vessel from a Chinook helicopter during a night-time operation and took control of the ship. Captain Ajay Pant was arrested later that evening.
Wife Appeals to PM Modi for Help
Ritu Pant said she received no official communication regarding her husband’s arrest and is seeking help from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. She appealed to PM Modi to intervene in the matter and ensure her husband’s safe return to India.
The ship is currently anchored off the coast of Weymouth in Dorset. Twenty-four crew members from India and Georgia remain aboard the vessel.
Original Article: UK Arrest: Russian Oil Tanker Gujarat Bound; Captain Pants Wife Appeals to PM Modi — Bhaskarenglish