Mumbai: The Indian Coast Guard apprehended the
Maharashtra fishing boat Haridwar Krupa off Mumbai on Monday on suspicion of illicit mid-sea diesel smuggling after it allegedly tried to evade interception near Prongs Lighthouse. A specialised boarding party searched the vessel after the chase. During a preliminary investigation, the boat’s master confessed to receiving about 4,000 litres of illicit diesel at sea, Coast Guard said.
Investigators also found that the crew had allegedly discharged about 500 litres of diesel overboard during the chase to destroy evidence. The boarding team confiscated operational documents and six mobile phones for further inquiry.
Coast Guard handed over seven people, the seized boat and smuggled materials to Yellow Gate police station on Tuesday morning. An FIR was registered against the seven, who hail from Maharashtra.
An ICG spokesperson said the boat accelerated after being ordered to surrender. “The fishing boat was apprehended for suspected illicit mid-sea diesel smuggling off Mumbai after a pursuit near Prongs Lighthouse. Acting on targeted surveillance of suspicious maritime movements, ICG ships maintained vigil in the area and detected the vessel operating near a merchant ship.
When challenged over the VHF maritime channel, the IFB allegedly failed to respond, ignored repeated warnings and attempted evasive manoeuvres. An ICG ship pursued and intercepted it,” said the official.
A specialised boarding party searched the boat. During the preliminary investigation, the vessel’s master confessed to receiving the illicit diesel at sea. The crew had also allegedly discharged about 500 litres overboard during the chase in an attempt to destroy evidence.
The boarding team confiscated all relevant operational documents and six mobile phones for further inquiry. The apprehended vessel, along with its crew and the confiscated evidence, was subsequently escorted to Mumbai Harbour, where a comprehensive joint investigation has been initiated involving ICG,
Indian Navy, State Intelligence Bureau (SIB) and State Police.
The Yellow Gate police have registered an FIR under the Smuggling Act. The arrested seven will be produced before the court on Wednesday.
