The Iranian Boat was found in the Arabian Sea in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of India at 58.5 nautical miles off Alleppey coast of Kerala
The NIA Special Court, taking cognizance of the final report of investigation filed by the agency in connection to seizure of an Iranian boat from the Arabian sea, discharged 11 of the total 12 accused stating that the probe did not find any evidence to prove that the accused to establish commission of scheduled offences under the SUA Act.
The accused were booked under Sections 3 and 7 of Maritime Zones of India (Regulation of Fishing by Foreign Vessels) Act 1981 and Section 3(g) of The Suppression of Unlawful Acts Against Safety of Maritime Navigation and Fixed Platforms on Continental Shelf Act, 2002, (SUA Act) at local Police Station in Kerala.The boat was intercepted by the Indian Coast Guard on July 4 last year with 12 persons on board – comprising of 11 Iranians and one Pakistani national.
The Iranian Boat was found in the Arabian Sea in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of India at 58.5 nautical miles off Alleppey coast of Kerala
The NIA court while discharging the 11 men said that 'the probe agency had thoroughly examined the arrested persons and the call details of their phones were analysed. A thorough forensic examination of the Boat was undertaken to detect trace of any evidence of any illegal acts, consignment on board and the ocean floor below the location of the boat was also scanned for any offloading of contrabands on the high seas. However, no evidence to establish the commission of a scheduled offence could be forthcoming during investigation,"said NIA officials.
"The final report of investigation, therefore, submits that no evidence could be found to establish commission of scheduled offences under the SUA Act. However, the final report submitted indicates the commission of offences under section 3 r/w 10 (b) and 7 r/w 14 of the Maritime Zones of India (Regulation of Fishing by Foreign Vessels) Act 1981, for which only the master of the ship is liable and the Hon'ble Court has been apprised accordingly, "NIA added.
The court has entrusted the custody of the eleven foreigners – 10 of Iranian nationality and one of Pakistan, to FRRO, Kochi. "Consequently, FRRO, Kochi has imposed restrictions on their movement out of District Jail as per provisions of Foreigners, Act, 1946 and Foreigners Order, 1948, till their deportation to respective countries. The court has further directed NIA to take adequate steps for issuing travel documents to the foreigners,"NIA officials said.
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