Bhubaneswar, Sept. 30 -- The Forest Department on Wednesday arrested around 19 fishermen and seized two trawlers for illegal fishing in Odisha's protected Gahirmatha marine sanctuary.

According to officials, a Forest Department patrol team, during routine patrolling in the Gahirmatha area, spotted two trawlers allegedly engaged in illegal fishing near the Madeli River mouth.

Following this, the team intercepted both trawlers and arrested the 19 fishermen on board.

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Reportedly, the Forest Department has also seized fish, fishing nets and VHF communication sets from the two trawlers. The vessels were taken into custody for...