Mumbai: Jalrani Boat Seized for Violating Restricted Area, False Pakistani Nationality Allegations

Mumbai, 3rd April 2023: A case has been registered at the Yellowgate Police Station in Mumbai regarding the Jalrani boat, which was seized by the Coast Guard in the Uttan area of Bhayandar.

The case was registered on the complaint of ONGC officer Piyush Kumar Singh (40), who alleged that the boat had entered the restricted area of ONGC on Saturday and did not obey orders given by the Indian Navy patrol boat. The Tandel of the boat was detained and interrogated, during which it was alleged that the two sailors on the boat gave false information that they were Pakistani nationals, misleading security agencies.

The case has been registered against the Tandel of the boat and 14 sailors under Sections 188, 182, 179 of the IPC, and Section 120 of the Maharashtra Police Act. The boat, named Jalrani, is owned by Benhar Johnny Buti of Uttan and currently has the owner, his son, and 13 sailors on board. Four Khalashis (workers) are from Jharkhand and the remaining five are from Chhattisgarh. After checking the documents of all the sailors and the boat, the Coast Guard instructed them to return to Uttan.

Initially, there were rumors that the boat had Pakistani nationals on board, causing a stir. However, further investigation revealed that the boat was from Uttan and not from Pakistan. The Coast Guard seized the boat 44 nautical miles off the coast of Mumbai and Palghar on Saturday afternoon.

The case has been registered under serious charges, including providing false information and violating restricted areas.