Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has said that the boat carrying three AK-47s belongs to an Australian couple who abandoned it after engine trouble. Prima facie, there is no terror angle, but it is unclear why it was carrying arms.
‘No terror angle yet’
Devendra Fadnavis, who also handles state’s home department, said that there was no terror angle. “But investigation is going on. We can’t rule out any angle as of now. I am just sharing primary information so there is no panic.” He, however, added that he cannot say as to why there were arms and ammunition on the boat. “We are in touch with the Central agencies and they have confirmed this information,” Mr Fadnavis said. As of now, the local police and the Anti-terror Squad are investigating the matter.
Who spotted the boat?
Some locals spotted the boat, having no crew member, in the Shrivardhan area, located more than 190 km from Mumbai. The damaged boat was found near Harihareshwar Beach in Raigad by fishermen. Three AK-47 rifles, bullets and documents were found on it. The boat was pulled to shore after the local administration reached the spot. Following this, an alert was sounded in Raigad district.
Australian citizen owns the boat
The boat, called Lady Han, is owned by Hana Laundergun, an Australian citizen. Her husband James Harbert is the captain. The 16-meter boat was on its way to Europe via Muscat when it developed engine trouble on June 26.
How it reaches there
According to sources, there were some troubles in the boat following which its crew left it. “Its engine broke in the sea, and people were rescued by a Korean boat. It has now reached the Harihareshwar beach. Around 1 pm that day, the boat’s crew were rescued. But the boat could not be towed and was abandoned. Eventually, it reached the Harihareshwar coast.
Alert sounded in Raigad
Security has been tightened at the coast and the area put on high alert. The Coast Guard and other agencies have been informed. Raigad MLA, Aditi Tatkare, said that she has requested Maharashtra Chief Minister for a special probe into the incident. She also said that the incident is a major security scare as it comes a day ahead of a big festival. – INDIA NEWS STREAM
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