Coast Guard releases video of Pakistani boat in flames

The Coast Guard Friday released a video of the intruding Pakistani boat that was intercepted off the Gujarat coast Dec 31 last year to set at rest any speculation on its assertion that the vessel was blown up by its occupants.

The video was released on the day the Coast Guard ordered a board of inquiry (BoI) into DIG B.K. Loshali's purported remarks, which he denied later, that he ordered the Pakistani boat that was allegedly trying to sneak into Indian waters be blown up.

The new video shows the boat in flames without any apparent damage to its structure that could have been caused by any shelling.

A Coast Guard press release said Loshali was served a show cause notice Feb 18 and his reply has been found to be unsatisfactory.

"Therefore, in accordance with the extant procedures, a board of inquiry (BOI) has been ordered to investigate the details and establish the facts. Suitable action will be taken on receipt of the proceedings of the BOI," the release said.

It said it has also been established from the Commanding Officer of the Coast Guard Ship Rajratan, involved in the operation Dec 31 that he had received no communication from Loshali.

The government had earlier this week found itself in a spot over Loshali's remarks.

Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar said he would inquire into the matter while indicating possible disciplinary action against the officer.

He also said the government "stands by its statement" that the boat was blown up by the "suspected terrorists" themselves and was prepared to release evidence to this effect.

Loshali had sparked off controversy with his remarks - captured on video - that he ordered a Pakistani boat allegedly trying to sneak into Indian waters be blown up.