Maharashtra: High-alert in Raigad after boat with explosives, AK-47 found
The Maharashtra Police on Thursday recovered a large cache of arms and ammunition in the state's Raigad district. The weapons were discovered in a suspected "terror boat" near the shore of Harihareshwar. According to officials, the boat was carrying AK-47 rifles, explosives, and bullets. Meanwhile, Raigad has been placed on high alert following the recovery, with officials claiming they averted a major terrorist attack.
What did the officials say?
Officials confirmed the recovery of weapons, including AK-47 assault rifles. They did not, however, provide any additional information, such as the type of boat, whether it was a speed boat or another type of boat. Meanwhile, sources told India Today that the boat was made in Australia, and the people on board had not informed coast guards about their arrival near the Harihareshwar beach.
Watch the video of suspected boat here
ATS asked to handle the case
Meanwhile, officials told India Today that Anti-Terror Squad will likely handle the case given its complicacy. Local lawmakers including Raigad MP Sunil Tatkare had also suggested ATS handle the matter. Meanwhile, ATS chief Vineet Agarwal said that they are looking into the case from a terror angle also. "The boat seems to be registered in Oman," he added.
It appears to be an official boat, can be used for terrorism: ATS chief
"It appears to be an official boat we are investigating. It can be for the purpose of terrorism also. It may belong to some other country. It is an abandoned boat. We are looking at all possibilities," Agarwal said.
Boat belongs to Australian couple: Fadnavis
Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the boat belongs to an Australian couple who abandoned it after engine trouble. "There is no terror angle, but it is unclear why it was carrying arms," he said. "We can't rule out any angle as of now. I am just sharing primary information so there is no panic," said Fadnavis, who also handles Maharashtra's home department.
