Pak trawler nabbed, seven crew members questioned

Close on the heels of the Indian fishing trawler Kuber emerging as a vital link in the Mumbai terror blast...

Close on the heels of the Indian fishing trawler Kuber emerging as a vital link in the Mumbai terror blast, the Indian Coast Guard on Tuesday apprehended a seven member Pakistani vessel from Indian waters, a few kms from the Gujarat coast. The crew members onboard Al Raffique who said they were fishermen who inadvertently strayed into Indian waters do not have the necessary documentation to prove their claim. However, their being spotted near Kori creek, not a fishing area in particular, along with the recovery of a walkie-talkie from the vessel has raised suspicion, the Police said.

Residents of a village in Thatta district of Pakistan, Mohammed Siddique, Ali Mohammed, Yusuf Jummo, Ahmed Khan, Sikandar Ali, Nazeer Ahmed and Mohammed Alam were being interrogated by Jakhau police till the last reports came in.

According to sources, the police and the Coast Guard were investigating the reasons behind the seven Pakistani 8216;fishermen8217; being found from a place less than 20 kms from the mouth of Kori Creek near the disputed Sir Creek area. 8220;This area in particular is not a fishing area. Considering that these people seem to be to familiar with the sea, there chances of having entered here inadvertently need to be investigated,8221; Jakhau Sub Iinspector, K B Parmar said.

According to Defence sources, the area where Al Raffique was apprehended was less than 30 kms from the last Border Out Post BoP on the Western Frontier. This strategically important BoP located in Medi in Bhuj, is guarded by the Gujarat frontier of the Border Security Force BSF.

Police sources said that the walkie-talkie recovered from the boat is also being scrutinised. 8220;It is suspected that the crew members may have been in touch with some one here,8221; sources said. About 500 kg of catch, including, shark was seized from the vessel. Since Shark fishing is prohibited they are likely to be booked on that count.

The incident assumes significance in light of the coastal security breach that facilitated the Mumbai attack. 8220;Al Raffique has waded unchecked from waters guarded by the Indian Coast Guard. It was later that they spotted it near the mouth of Kori creek,8221; a senior police officer said.