Team Herald
VASCO: Based on the complaints from the citizens, the Harbour Coastal police in a letter to DG Shipping, Ports and Customs authorities including Deputy Collector’s office; has asked them to initiate action against those involved in bringing the Nu Shi Nalini vessel to Goa.
Police registered offence against the vessel owner over negligence, causing danger to people’s lives and for obstructing the line of navigation. The Harbour police have interrogated over 13 persons, including MPT Deputy Chairman in the matter.
According to sources in the police headquarters, Harbor Police in a letter to the Ports and Customs authorities have asked them to cancel the licence of the shipping agent – Barbados Maritime Agencies Pvt Ltd and also to the Goa State Pollution Control Board to cancel the licence of Canacona Hydrocarbons.
Sources informed that such “dead” vessels and contaminated Cargo shouldn’t be brought to the port. Licences issued by the government authorities are to bring good things in the State so that everyone including the environment is safe. Since such precautions are not taken by the MPT and other parties, the offence has been registered against them and letter has been sent to the higher authorities to initiate action.
When inquired about the investigations, sources on the condition of anonymity informed that over 13 persons, who were involved in tugging and other operations including the MPT Deputy Chairman, were interrogated by Harbour Police. Allahabad Bank officials have been summoned for interrogation.
Sources informed that Harbor Police have forwarded the letter to the local Deputy Collector based on the complaints received by the citizens to initiate action against the Mormugao Port Trust under Disaster Management Act 2005 as it comes under the Deputy Collector’s ambit. A letter has been sent to DG Shipping to take action against port authorities in case of any negligence and for investigating the same.
When asked if anyone has been booked by Harbour Police, sources informed that police have registered offence against one Pawan Arya, owner of the M/s Arya Ship Charters Pvt Ltd under Sections 280, 284, 285, 290, 283 and 336 of IPC for moving the vessel, which was reportedly anchored in the outer side by the owner and withdrew the private security launch deployed by the owner thereby leaving it unmanned due to which it drifted to Dona Paula side recently and lay grounded causing danger, nuisance and for obstructing the line of navigation.
The complaint also mentioned that the vessel owner reportedly acted in rash and negligent manner and endangered human life by not taking sufficient precautionary measures to guard against probable danger to human life as the cargo contains naphtha.
