Mumbai-based shipping companies on NIA radar over Karachi bound Chinese vessel

Two Mumbai-based shipping companies have come under the scanner of a NIA team probing the case of a Karachi bound Chinese vessel that allegedly carried equipment for making rocket motors for missiles. The Chinese merchant vessel Da Cui Yun was stopped from its onward journey by customs officials at Deendayal Port, formerly known as Kandla Port, in February 2020, after the dual use material was found during inspection.

It was later allowed to sail to Karachi after the suspected cargo was seized. Investigators have alleged that the Chinese vessel attempted to clandestinely ship the dual use cargo, Autoclave, from Shanghai to Pakistan's Qasim Port, via Kandla, by suppressing identity and critical information on the cargo.

NIA took over the probe last week after the issue was deliberated by officials of home, external affairs and defence ministries. The Defence Research and Development Organisation gave the opinion that Autoclave could be used to manufacture long-range missiles. Sources said Chinese nationals based in Hong Kong were identified during NIA probe. Indian security agencies allege China has been clandestinely helping Pakistan to enhance missile capabilities.


NIA estimated that the market value of cylindrical shell Autoclave was Rs 10.50 crore. An NIA spokesperson refused to comment on the status of the probe. It is probing the case under the Weapons of Mass Destruction and Delivery System (Prohibition of Unlawful Activities) Act. The 2005 law prescribes five years imprisonment minimum and life imprisonment maximum, for those violating the Act. A show-cause notice was initially issued by the customs department to Chinese vessel owners and the two shipping companies now under the NIA radar.