Just a few days after the Uran 'sightings', security agencies were again pressed into action to follow up on a ‘suspicious boat’
After security agencies received the information, several agencies were alerted, and they launched an operation to intercept the boat. While the coast guard launched helicopters, while the local police guarded the coast. Representation pic/AFP
Even as the current strained atmosphere due to cross border tensions has put all the security agencies on edge, they all went on high alert once again after local fishermen reported the sighting of a suspicious boat in Indian waters near Mumbai, only to realize that it was yet another false lead.
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On Friday morning, defence officials received information that an orange, black and white suspicious boat ferrying at least 10 people was spotted some 12 nautical miles away from Mumbai and heading towards the city.
“After we received the information, several agencies —coastal police, Anti-Terrorism Squad, coastguard and the Navy — were alerted and launched an operation to intercept the boat. The coast guard launched helicopters and the local police guarded the coast; the Navy also monitored the situation,” said a senior officer, on condition of anonymity.
However, on intercepting the boat near Elephanta Caves, the defence officials learned that the boat belonged to local fishermen, who were simply fishing in the deep waters. Seven people were found on board, and all were questioned as per the standard operating procedure.
The official said, “Nothing suspicious was found and the fishermen were locals, who were later allowed to go.”
Uran flashback
The alert comes just a week after the Uran pandemonium where two students had claimed spotting ‘suspicious men in pathanis with guns’ that later turned out to be a hoax.
Several agencies had been put on high alert and massive combing operations were carried out in Navi Mumbai, Mumbai and parts of Maharashtra. The situation has only compounded with the ongoing border strife with neighbouring Pakistan.
Cop speak
DCP Sunita Thackeray of the port zone of the Mumbai police, which was also part of the operation yesterday, and deputed officials for the operation, said, “nothing suspicious was noticed.”
A defense spokesperson said, “Following the information, the operation was launched, but nothing was found. Under the process we now follow, no information is taken lightly. Once the information is received by any of the agencies, it is shared with other security forces. All concerned departments then swing into action.”
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