By Mubasshir Mushtaq
NEW DELHI
A boat allegedly from Pakistan blew itself up in the Arabian Sea after being chased by the Indian coastal guard, India's Defense Ministry claimed in a statement on Friday.
"As per the intelligence inputs received on 31st December, a fishing boat from Keti Bunder near Karachi was planning some illicit transaction in Arabian Sea," the statement said.
The boat, allegedly carrying explosives, was intercepted by Indian coast guard late overnight on Wednesday.
An Indian coast guard ship chased the boat, which they said was "unlit," for one hour before firing warning shots.
"The Coast Guard ship warned the fishing boat to stop for further investigation of the crew and cargo; however, the boat increased speed and tried to escape away from the Indian side of maritime boundary," the defense ministry said.
According to the ministry's statement, four persons onboard the boat disregarded the warning shots before setting the boat on fire.
"The crew hid themselves in below deck compartment and set the boat on fire, which resulted in explosion and major fire on the boat," the ministry said.
The incident took place 365 km from Porbandar port in India's western state of Gujarat.
In 2008, tensions were raised between India and Pakistan after a group of 10 militants from Pakistan entered India by sea and carried out an attack in Mumbai that killed more than 160 people.
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