Cops appoint Pune students as translators for arrested Somali pirates

With language posing a major hurdle for cops in completing legal formalities against arrested Somali pirates, the Yellow Gate police have finally sought the help from rather unlikely quarters — students of Pune University. A fortnight ago, the police appointed five students from the varsity as translators to help with the cases against the pirates before a fast-track court.

The police had produced 28 pirates before the court on February 11. The court had the ordered the police to inform the Somalian Embassy and get a translator.

Two of the translators are from Ethiopia, two from Somalia and one hails from Uganda. “Each translator would be requested to come to the court or to the police station as and when needed, and will be paid Rs 3,000 per session,” said inspector M G Tope.

The police, however, did not reveal the students’ identities. “They will be in a better position to help us. However, we are worried if they will be able to deal with the pirates,” said an officer.

The Yellow Gate police had earlier written to the Ministry of External Affairs asking for an official translator. Till the five translators were appointed, cops had to depend on temporary arrangements.

indianexpress.com