Overview
- Sixteen Indian crew members remain in IRGC custody after the December 8 interception near Dibba Port, with Iran alleging the vessel smuggled about 6,000 metric tonnes of fuel.
- Relatives say 10 sailors, including third engineer Ketan Mehta, were formally arrested on January 6 and transferred to a prison in Bandar Abbas.
- The last direct call from Mehta came on December 31, with later messages relayed through a colleague after he reportedly lost his phone.
- The Indian Embassy has sought consular access, which reports indicate has not been granted, and families say the MEA offered no updates after collecting passport details.
- Families have petitioned the Delhi High Court, which asked the Centre for a status report, as some accounts describe a chase, gunfire and injuries during the seizure.