Prantalay probe: Police to head for Lakshadweep

“The court agreed and gave the release order,allowing the company officials to take the trawler and the hostages back to Thailand,” said Khalid. On Monday,the trawler was taken back by the company officials.

“The Thailand embassy has given us in writing that the hostages would be brought to the city whenever they are needed for deposition in the court,” said Khalid.

When asked whether the police required the trawler or the hostages,Khalid said the investigations were almost complete and they have also recorded their statements before a magistrate.

“The hostages were in Mumbai for almost one month and had to return to their country,” he said.

Meanwhile,after much delay the Coast Guard and the Indian Navy have made arrangements for the Yellow Gate police team to be transported to Lakshadweep for the spot panchnama this week.

“The team would be leaving for Lakshadweep in two days to examine the spot and verify the co-ordinates that the victims and the complainant have mentioned in the FIR. The police officers investigating the case will also get a clear idea of the positions of the pirates that the hostages and Navy officials have described,” added Khalid.

The hostages,who are from Thailand and Myanmar,were rescued from the ships by the Indian Navy and Coast Guard. On January 29,Somali pirates destroyed a trawler and took 28 crew members hostage,including four Thai nationals.

The pirates struck again on Greek flagged vessel from Prantalay 11 and took 15 crew members hostage.