ATS begins probe to find who helped terrorists to use 'Kuber'

AHMEDABAD: Following the terror attack in Mumbai, the Gujarat anti-terrorist sqaud (ATS) has intensified its operation in the coastal districts of the state and are questioning several people to find out who helped the terrorists in using the boat 'Kuber'.

"We have increased vigil across the state and are questioning a number of people to get more info on the Kuber boat," ATS chief Ajay Tomar said.

"We cannot give any more information about our operations," he added. Asked if any person has been detained for questioning Tomar replied in the negative.

A fishing boat named 'Kuber', which is registered in Porbander, was hijacked by the terrorists who played havoc in Mumbai and held the finacial capital of the country to ransom for over 60 hours.

ATS sources said they are questioning some of those accused who were involved in the landing of a shipment of arms and explosives, including RDX, on the state's coasts that were later used in the 1993 serial blasts in Mumbai, they said.

Sources also said the accused in this case had links with underworld don Dawood Ibrahim, who had masterminded the blasts in Mumbai in 1993.

The consignment had landed off the Porbandar coast in February 1993 after which it was transported to Mumbai in phases. The same explosive was used in the March 12, 1993 serial bomb blasts.

Besides these, some of the people who have been previously been covicted for smuggling goods, including gold, from Pakistan are also being interrogated, they added.