Kochi: The gang engaged in human trafficking found Munambam to be an ideal location for launching the trip to Australia owing to the virtual absence of surveillance and security checks in the area.
Around 600 fishing boats operate from the region, mostly from the port. However, several other vessels are moored at other areas. The gang is believed to have fled on one such boat.
Facts revealed so far
The following information has been collected regarding the gang:
1. There are 13 families in the group. Of the 41 persons in total, four are carrying and there is an infant too.
2. The gang members flew in via Delhi and Chennai to Kochi.
3. They lived in resorts at Cherayi posing as tourists.
4. Pooja, a woman believed to be part of the gang, gave birth at a private hospital in Chottanikkara on January 1. She had informed the hospital authorities that she had arrived from New Delhi.
5. The gang members stocked medicines and dry fruits that would last a month from various shops in Cherayi.
6. The gang took care not to arouse the suspicion of the local people in any manner.
7. It is believed that the escape was on a boat named ‘Devamatha’ purchased from a Kovalam native.
8. The gang abandoned several bags that contained food stuff and even two gold bangles.
9. It is believed that the bags recovered from the Kodungallur temple also belonged to this gang.
Coast Guard to probe
The police have recovered more bags belonging to the gang. The vehicles used were also found. Statements of many local people were recorded. Evidence was collected from the lodges the gang stayed in.
A search has been launched to locate the boats in which the gang is travelling. The Coast Guard is carrying out the search, while the Navy has informed that it is keeping track of the developments and would join the operation if any suspicious object is found.
Trafficking in the past
Incidents of human trafficking from Kochi shores were reported earlier too, but probe into the matter reached nowhere. Official sources said that no evidence was unearthed regarding the gang from those arrested. Naval authorities stress that Kochi cannot be termed as a centre of human trafficking.
In the past, the police had nabbed some people who were camping at Munambam planning to flee abroad. The arrested belonged to Bangladesh. A probe was conducted by the local police into the affair but the file was closed after the Intelligence Bureau took up the case. The police are now clueless regarding the fate of the investigation.
Speculations galore
According to the police, no clear evidence has emerged regarding human trafficking. Only some assumptions have been made, said officials. “It has to be established why the bags and other items were abandoned at various spots. It is felt that the gang was planning to escape to Australia on the basis of the statements collected from those arrested two years ago. Frequent reports of people being trafficked in this manner emerge from Sri Lanka. Australia is the nearest place where one can settle down without too many hassles,” said a police officer.
A boat worth Rs 1 crore
The police found that the gang purchased 12,000 litres of diesel from Munambam. Locals said it was strange that suspicions were not raised over this huge purchase. But it is pointed out that boat of 100 feet length would have fuel tank of 6,000 litres capacity and provision to store an equal amount in addition. Pump owners would not have been suspicious as filling this quantity of fuel is a normal practice. Similarly, big boats have facilities to store water and food.
It is estimated that a boat of 100-110 feet would cost Rs one crore to 1.10 crore. But it is believed that the gang used a vessel costing Rs 25-50 lakh. It is also rumoured that the boat was bought from a man hailing from Thiruvallur in Tamil Nadu.
Meanwhile, the police are checking the call details of the mobile towers in the area where the gang lived. However, no suspicious calls have been detected. It is felt that the gang did not use mobile phones and had prepared a clear plan before reaching Munambam.
More evidence unearthed
The police have found bags abandoned at the South Gate at Kodungallur which were presumably used by the gang. Similar bags recovered from Munambam were thoroughly checked at the police station there.
With the assumption that the gang members left Kerala coast only a couple of days ago, authorities are hoping to trace their boat in the high seas. People engaged in shipping activities say anybody can reach Australia from Kerala with a safe boat having enough fuel, food and experienced sailors. However, the trip is risky, especially if the navigators lack enough experience. Damage to the boat, rough sea and pirates are the dangers involved.
In case the boat does not reach the destination as planned, the fuel and food may run dry. The travellers may suffer from diseases and lack of proper medical care and drugs may even cause mass fatalities. Moreover, many countries refuse to accept such passengers citing stringent international maritime laws.
