5 caught stealing scrap from MPT, two escape

5 caught stealing scrap from MPT, two escape
HERALD REPORTER
VASCO, JULY 8
Seven labourers may have succeeded in hoodwinking the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) at Mormugao Port Trust (MPT) with loads of scrap on Wednesday night, but they could not escape the watchful eyes of fishermen.
In a blatant security lapse by CISF at MPT, the labourers managed to escape from the port security with loads of scrap. However, vigilant fishermen from Goa Fishing Boat Owners Association (GFBOA) managed to nab five labourers red handed, but two others managed to escape.
According to reports, the GFBOA office bearers detained five labourers while they were coming out of the port near Khariwado fishing jetty with scarp material after off loading it from a barge anchored in port, while two labourers managed to escape.
Later, all five detained labourers were handed over to Vasco police, who arrested them under Section 41 of CrPC.
GFBOA President Simon D’Souza questioned the efficiency security of CISF. “How these labourers managed to come out from the port despite heavy security there. This is an eye opener for the port authority to asses its security arrangement,” he added.
“The MPT had blamed that GFBOA fishing jetty is a security threat to the port, but GFBOA come forward in cracking such incidents,” added Pereira.
This is the second such incident to have appeared, as earlier GFBOA members had detained few people while unloading furnace oil near Khariwado fishing jetty.
It may be recalled that MPT is equipped with high resolution closed circuit cameras, enhanced security personnel and 24X7 security of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF).
MPT Deputy Chairman P C Parida, who rushed to the site to take stock of the situation, appreciated the efforts of GFBOA for detaining these labourers and urged them to work jointly with MPT.
“MPT will conduct an inquiry into the entire episode, as despite such heavy security how the labourers managed to come out of port with scrap materials,” said Parida.
Interestingly, the port security had come under scanner earlier during the ‘Sagar Kavach’ mock drill, as two terrorists managed to enter port under the nose of port security.