Mumbai: Yellow Gate police have filed an FIR against fishing boat Haridwar Krupa’s owner and seven crew members after Indian Coast Guard personnel intercepted it following a 30-minute chase in Arabian Sea on Oct 12, allegedly finding unlawfully procured diesel aboard. Coast Guard principal mechanic Kamaljeet Rajpal Singh (26) alleged the boat attempted to flee and discharged about 500 litres of diesel into the sea during the pursuit, causing pollution. The eight arrested people were later released after notices were served.ICGS Amol was directed by ICGS Sujit at 3.40 am to intercept Haridwar Krupa after it was seen passing merchant vessel MV Sagar Pride. Police said the boat fled at high speed before being stopped after a half-hour pursuit. Teams from both Coast Guard vessels inspected it. “Boat master Kesarinath Pedvi (50) allegedly said it had been carrying 4,000 litres of diesel and had discharged around 500 litres out of fear during the chase. He did not produce purchase documents,” said a Yellow Gate police officer.Pedvi allegedly said the diesel had been unlawfully bought from MV Sagar Pride on the instructions of owner Parshuram Nakhwa (38), who would pay for it. The boat was escorted to Mumbai Port at 8 pm on Oct 12.Coast Guard personnel handed the boat and seven occupants to Yellow Gate police at Mughal Jetty at 10.50 am on Oct 13. Police said Nakhwa failed to provide documents or authorised purchase bills and gave evasive replies about the diesel’s source.Police seized the vessel, estimated to be worth Rs 30 lakh, and about 4,500 litres of diesel-like liquid valued at Rs 4.05 lakh.Indian Coast Guard accused them of storing diesel without adequate safety precautions, navigating rashly despite orders to stop and causing marine pollution. They were booked under Essential Commodities Act, Motor Spirit and High Speed Diesel Order, Merchant Shipping Act and Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
