Somali pirates taken to Mumbai for interrogation

New Delhi, Jan 31: The 15 Somali pirates who were apprehended by the Indian Navy following a gunbattle off the coast of Lakshadweep Islands were being taken to Mumbai for interrogation.

"They (pirates) are being brought to Mumbai and their interrogation would take place there on Monday," said Commander PVS Satish, the naval spokesperson.

The pirates were caught after the Thailand-registered ''Prantalay'' which was being used by them was intercepted by Navy''s Fast Attack Craft (FAC) INS Canskaro on Friday in the Arabian Sea. The pirates were using the Thai fishing trawler as ''mother-ship'' which they had hijacked some time back.

On being chased and apprehended by the fast attack naval craft, the pirates jumped overboard. During interrogation the naval officials, police and intelligence officials would try to ascertain their modus-operandi.

Meanwhile, the crew member of the hijacked fishing trawler - Myanmarese and Thai nationals- are being taken to Kochi for questioning after which they would be sent back to their homes. The crew was rescued by INS Cankarso after they too jumped in the waters during the military action.

PTI