A suspicious boat was found near Harihareshwar Beach and an abandoned lifeboat was found at Bharadkhol in Maharashtra’s Raigad district this afternoon.
Confirming the incident, Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister Devendra Fadnavis said that it is learnt that the boat belongs to an Australian citizen named James Herbert and was moving from Muscat to Europe.
As per primary information, the boat’s engine malfunctioned a couple of months ago. While all the people travelling in the boat were rescued by another Korean boat that was nearby, the boat itself could not be towed due to heavy rains in the region.
Mr. Fadnavis confirmed that 3 AK-47 rifles, its ammunition and the boat’s documents have been found.
As a matter of abundant caution in view of tomorrow’s Dahi Handi festival and the upcoming Ganesh Utsav which is celebrated with much fanfare in Raigad, Mr. Fadnavis said security has been tightened all across and a high alert has also been issued. A team of the Maharashtra ATS will assist the local police in further probe.
The Home Minister said, Coast Guard and all the concerned central agencies are keeping a tab on the matter and all precautions will be taken to ensure that there is no untoward incident.
Topics
Maharashtra Raigad Harihareshwar Beach Boat Administration Kolkata
Bengali