21 July,2026 07:39 AM IST | Mumbai | Aishwarya Iyer
More than 30 Somali nationals on their way to Mumbai Sessions Court for the verdict in the MV Ruen piracy case on Monday. Pics/Sayyed Sameer Abedi
A Mumbai Sessions Court on Monday convicted all 35 Somali nationals arrested in the MV Ruen piracy case and sentenced them to life imprisonment, bringing one of India's biggest maritime piracy prosecutions to a close.
The accused had earlier pleaded guilty, telling the court through a Somali interpreter that they had done so voluntarily and understood the legal consequences. Before accepting the plea, the judge questioned each accused individually to ensure there had been no coercion.
Cops said the investigation involved:
>> Examination of evidence recovered
>> Statements of crew members and witnesses
>> Coordination with the Indian Navy and other agencies
>> Individual interrogation of all accused with the help of a Somali interpreter
The investigation culminated in a nearly 4000-page charge sheet, detailing the sequence of the hijacking, witness statements, documentary and forensic evidence.
The 35 Somali nationals arrested in the MV Ruen piracy case in police custody. Pic/By Special Arrangement
December 2023: Armed Somali pirates hijacked the Malta-flagged bulk carrier MV Ruen in the Arabian Sea. The pirates held the vessel and its 17 crew members hostage for nearly three months.
March 2024: The Indian Navy intercepted the ship after a nearly 40-hour anti-piracy operation, rescued all crew members unharmed and arrested all 35 pirates. The accused were handed over to the Yellow Gate Police, leading to one of India's biggest piracy prosecutions under the Maritime Anti-Piracy Act.
Al Kambar 786 piracy case
A Mumbai Sessions Court also convicted nine Somali nationals in the Al Kambar 786 piracy case and sentenced them to life imprisonment for hijacking the Iranian fishing vessel and holding its 23 Pakistani crew members hostage.
The court also awarded:
>> 10 years under the Maritime Anti-Piracy Act
>> Seven years under the Arms Act
>> Two years each under the Passport Act and Foreigners Act
All sentences will run concurrently, with custody since March 3, 2024, set off against the sentence.
The court informed the convicts they could challenge the verdict before the Bombay High Court with free legal aid.
Any decision on their repatriation will be taken by the Governments of India and Somalia.
>> Life imprisonment under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA)
>> 10 years under the Maritime Anti-Piracy Act
>> 10 years under the IPC for attempting to murder the vessel's chief officer
>> Seven years under the Arms Act
>> Two years each under the Passport Act and the Foreigners Act
All sentences will run concurrently. The court also directed that the period spent in judicial custody since March 2024 be set off against the sentence.
The court also ordered:
>> Disposal of the seized arms and ammunition as per law
>> Convicts may challenge the judgment before the Bombay High Court
>> Free legal aid to be provided if they choose to appeal
The case is among the most significant piracy prosecutions handled by Mumbai Police since the enactment of the Maritime Anti-Piracy Act and stemmed from one of the Indian Navy's largest anti-piracy operations in the Arabian Sea.
