New Delhi: Deputy National Security Adviser Nehchal Sandhu today said he did not think that the American ship, detained by National Coast Guard off Tamil Nadu coast for carrying arms, was involved in gunrunning.
"The captain of the ship did not declare the arms to customs... Now, the process of law will begin," he told reporters on the sidelines of a function. The police would have to find out if it carried valid documents for weapons, he said.
Asked if the vessel, MV Seaman Guard Ohio, might be involved in gun-running, Sandhi said "I don`t think so," adding that it is likely to be owned by a private maritime security company. Some media reports have said a USA-based anti-piracy company owns it.
Sandhu said local police would take a decision on the ship its fate after investigation.
The ship, whose crew included eight Indians, was intercepted and detained by the Indian Coast Guard about 15 nautical miles east of Tuticorin on Saturday.
An FIR has been registered against 10 crew members and 25 guards of the detained ship by the Tamil Nadu Marine Police for illegally carrying arms and ammunition.
Besides, a case under the Essential Commodities Act has been registered for buying 1,500 litres of diesel illegally with the help of a local shipping agent.
