Question : RELEASE OF FOREIGN VESSEL SEIZED BY NAVY

(a) whether attention of the Government has been drawn to a press report appeared in ‘Jansatta’ dated February 29, 2000 indicating that a foreign vessel namely ‘Alondra Rainbow’ containing highly sensitive cargo seized by the Indian Navy and the Coast Guard was released by the Government of Maharashtra on receipt of Rupees ten crores;

(b) whether the Union Government permitted the State Government to release the foreign vessel;

(c) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor; and

(d) if not, the action proposed to be taken in regard thereto?

MINISTER OF DEFENCE (SHRI GEORGE FERNANDES)


(a) Yes, Sir.

(b) to (d): The pirated vessel “Alondra Rainbow” was apprehended on 16.11.1999 by the Coast Guard and the Navy and the vessel along with the crew was handed over to the Mumbai Police on 21.11.1999 for further investigations. The said vessel was released under the orders of Court dated 22.1.2000, after receipt of a safe deposit of Rs. 1 crore by the court. The apprehended crew continue to be in judicial custody.