An abandoned row boat discovered in a creek at Vikhroli (east) on Monday sent the local police officials in a tizzy. The small vessel was, however, found to be empty and the police is waiting to record the statements of the owner.
Sleuths from the state anti-terrorist squad (ATS) are keeping a tab on the developments in the case, police sources said.
Senior police inspector Mahipat Indalkar of Vikhroli police station said, “It was found near Kannamwar Nagar, behind Pragati high school and is a common form of a rowboat. The local fishermen, who are in regular touch with the police, informed about the development at around 8.30 am, following which a team of officers rushed to the spot. The officers found nothing on the boat, however, we are trying to trace the owner of the boat now that we have confirmed her identity.”
Interestingly, the creek has several such fishing boats, but the fishermen had no clue about the one found on Monday. “It could also be a stolen boat, but we are leaving no stones unturned. The fishermen visit us on a regular basis and discuss security-related issues. Their alertness is commendable,” added Mr Indalkar. The ATS officials too are believed to have visited the spot, given the current spotlight on coastal security after the 26/11-terror attacks.