Yusufi handler trying to pin blame on crew members: Cops

USMAN Ghanchi,who was arrested Friday in connection with cargo allegedly being smuggled on dhow MSV Yusufi,has claimed to be unaware of the presence of a satellite phone on board, police said on Sunday.

USMAN Ghanchi,who was arrested Friday in connection with cargo allegedly being smuggled on dhow MSV Yusufi,has claimed to be unaware of the presence of a satellite phone on board, police said on Sunday.

The dhow was intercepted by Coast Guard on April 3 after the agency intercepted a conversation being made on a Thuraya satellite phone,banned in India since the 26/11 terror attacks. The crew members were arrested and the dhow and its cargo,including goats,were taken in custody.

Police said Ghanchi was trying to pin the blame on the crew members. Investigations have reportedly revealed Ghanchi was meant to receive the consignment in Mumbai and was in touch with the crew members during their journey. Ghanchi took a flight from Dubai to the city once the dhow had sailed for Mumbai.

Ghanchi claims he was unaware of a satellite phone on the boat and that the crew members would know better, said Deputy Commissioner of Police (Port Zone) Tanaji Ghadge. The crew members have claimed that while there was a satellite phone in their possession,they threw it away before entering Indian waters.

Ghanchi has been remanded in police custody till April 25.

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