This Article is From Jul 07, 2015

Foreign Boat: Kerala Police Suggest Case be Handed to National Investigation Agency

Foreign Boat: Kerala Police Suggest Case be Handed to National Investigation Agency
Kerala: The Kerala police have recommended that investigation into the suspicious foreign fishing boat, which was detained off the coast of Kerala on Sunday, be handed over to the National Investigation Agency.

The 12 crew members have been remanded in judicial custody for 14 days. But their interrogation has raised more questions than answers.

The crew had been questioned by a joint team of Intelligence Bureau, state intelligence, local police, scientific experts and the bomb disposal squad.

The police said the boat apparently, was registered in Baluchistan, Iran, and though the crew members claimed to be Iranian, two of them were well versed in Hindi.

Besides, of the 10 units of foreign currencies were found on board the vessel, five were belonged to Pakistan. One Pakistani Identity Card was also found.

There were no valid licenses or documents available onboard. The satellite phone and the other items found have been sent to the concerned authorities for examination.

The crew claimed they were fishermen and had been facing problems with the boat's engine.

The Coast Guard had traced the vessel on Friday and it was suspected that it was smuggling drugs.

 
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