Archive · 9 Nov 2025
Rohingya Refugees Recount Being Thrown Into Sea By India
Imagine some people who had to leave their homes a long time ago because it was very dangerous.
They came to India hoping for safety and kindness.
But one night, they say that the Indian police took many of them away.
Instead of helping them, the refugees claim they were put on a plane and then a boat, and finally thrown into the sea.
Luckily, they were given life jackets and managed to swim to land.
Sadly, that land was Myanmar, the place they had fled from.
They told their story to lawyers and reporters.
Some powerful judges didn't believe them, saying it sounded like a made-up story.
But reporters later found out that what the refugees said was true.
A special person from the United Nations said this action was very wrong and cruel.
Over 40 Rohingya refugees allege they were deported from Delhi on May 6, 2025, to the Andaman Islands and then thrown into the sea, reaching Myanmar.
Human rights lawyers filed a petition in the Supreme Court seeking the return of the refugees and an end to deportations, but the court deemed the claims 'fanciful'.
Investigative reporting by Article 14 and BBC Hindi later confirmed the veracity of the refugees' harrowing account.
The UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in Myanmar condemned the deportation as 'unconscionable' and a violation of international law.
Rohingya survivors recount a history of persecution in Myanmar and difficult living conditions as refugees in India, including alleged home burnings and detention.
- Who
- Over 40 Rohingya refugees
- What
- Allegedly rounded up, flown to the Andaman Islands, and thrown into the sea, eventually reaching Myanmar, as recounted by survivors.
- When
- May 6, 2025, with legal challenges and confirmations following.
- Where
- Delhi, India; Andaman Islands; and Myanmar.
- Why
- According to the refugees' account, they were deported in retaliation for alleged terrorist activities and to be sent back to their country of origin.
Rohingya Survivors and Human Rights Advocates
Indian Supreme Court
Alleged Deportation and Treatment
Rohingya Survivors and Human Rights Advocates
Rohingya refugees and human rights lawyers claim that over 40 Rohingya were rounded up in Delhi, flown to the Andaman Islands, and then thrown into the sea with life jackets, eventually reaching Myanmar. They describe this as a violation of human rights and international law.
Indian Supreme Court
The Supreme Court dismissed the petition as 'fanciful' and a 'beautifully crafted story' with 'absolutely no material in support of the vague, evasive and sweeping statements made'.
Verification of Claims
Rohingya Survivors and Human Rights Advocates
Investigative reporters from Article 14 and BBC Hindi confirmed the truth of the refugees' story, and the UN Special Rapporteur condemned the deportation as 'unconscionable'.
Indian Supreme Court
The Supreme Court judges stated that there was no material to support the claims and scolded the petitioners for presenting 'fanciful ideas' during a difficult time for the country.
- Date of Alleged Deportation
- May 6, 2025
- Number of Deported Refugees
- Over 40
- Alleged Location of Deportation
- Indian Air Force plane to Andaman Islands, then a naval boat.
- Destination After Deportation
- Myanmar
- Legal Challenge Date
- May 16, 2025
- Supreme Court Justices
- Surya Kant and N Kotiswar Singh
- Investigative Outlets
- Article 14 and BBC Hindi
- UN Special Rapporteur
- Thomas Andrews