Owner has never stepped on a boat

Vinod Masani owns a total of six fishing boats in Porbandar, including the Kuber, but has never stepped on a boat till date...

Vinod Masani owns a total of six fishing boats in Porbandar, including the Kuber, but has never stepped on a boat till date, local police officials who questioned him recently claimed.

Porbandar SP Dipanker Trivedi, who questioned Masani in connection with Kuber being used by the Mumbai attackers, said: “Masani told us that he has never been on board a boat till date. Masani said he gets sea sick the moment he goes near the sea.”

Masani and his brother, Hira Masani, jointly own a fleet of six fishing boats. Of this, two boats, Sagar and Vijali, are at present in the custody of the Pakistan Government after they were seized by the Pakistan Marine Agency for straying into its waters. The brothers also own Maa, Kaveri, Sana and the ill-fated Kuber.

Story continues below this ad

A Mumbai Police Crime Branch team was in Porbandar recently to question crew members of Maa and Kaveri. Masani, who was earlier questioned by the Mumbai Police team, left for Mumbai late on Tuesday to identify articles found on the Kuber .

“As of now, we have found nothing that links Masani to Kuber’s hijack and use for the terror attack. However, investigations into the case are still underway,” said Trivedi. The police said that while Hira Masani was the actual owner of Kuber, his brother holds the power of attorney. “Hira lost his left leg in a train accident several years ago. While Hira stays at home, Vinod looks after the boats,” Trivedi added.