Mumbai was put on high alert, AGAIN!
Security officers went through a déjà vu on the rainy night of 11th June as Mumbai was put on a high alert due to the fear of a potential terrorist attack. The high ranks were involved as the signals of a satellite phone were traced throughout the city.
The first signal came from the docks of 7,778-tonne cargo vessel from Germany, M.V. Lifter, berthed at 31D, Indira Dock, and Mazgaon. This signal was spotted the Navy as well as the coast guard who alerted the central control room. This signal then started moving to various locations in Mumbai.
The signal of satellite phone caused the duress ultimately leading to a high alert as they had been used in both 26/11 terrorist attacks as well as planning the South Mumbai strikes David Headley. The M.V. Lifter which was carrying classified cargo for the army was swooped in upon the combined teams of Mumbai Police, Anti-Terror Squad (ATS), Army Intelligence and the Coast Guard. The Directorate General of Shipping’s 2012 order prohibits the use of satellite phones on Indian waters. If a ship is carrying satellite phones, it has to announce the fact on forms prior to entering Indian waters and the authorities seal it up in a bonded store to prevent its use.
All the eleven crew members were detained, threatened charges and the ship was searched for six hours; all of which yielded no result. Also, surprisingly customs had locked up the satellite communications on board.
By the afternoon, signals had been traced from General Post Office, Fort, Janmabhoomi Chambers and Walchand Hirachand Marg. A senior ATS officer did claim that “There was tension, helplessness and a sense of déjà vu” as nothing was found even after thorough searches were made of the buildings.
The satellite signals were last traced to Saudi Arabia Consulate in Cuffe Parade. The search operations ended here as international and diplomatic protocols prevent security agencies from entering a Consulate. The police believe that the satellite phone is still in the Saudi Consulate.
According to a security official “Our teams crowded the streets around Saudi and Omani Consulates but decided to come back. What is worrying is that an un-tracked satellite phone continues to exist in South Mumbai. This is a failure of our system.” While it is refreshing to see a government official claim the responsibility of a failure with such maturity the fact remains that an un-tracked satellite phone remains in use in the economic capital of the country that ultimately led to a high alert.
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