Two port officials charged with murder in Tanur boat accident

Malappuram: Two port officials have been arrested and charged with murder in connection with the tragic Tanur boat disaster that claimed the lives of 22 people. The investigation team has filed murder charges against Prasad, the Beypore Port Conservator, and Sebastian, the Chief Surveyor.

During the investigation, it was revealed that complaints were lodged while work was being carried out at the boatyard. However, the responsible officials failed to take any action on these complaints. Additionally, officials were aware that the fishing boat was being converted into a pleasure boat, but they issued a licence without disclosing these crucial details. The report against the officials further highlights irregularities in the issuance of the fitness certificate.

A case has been registered against the accused officials under sections 302, 337, and 338 of the IPC. The owner of the boat had previously been arrested in connection with the accident and is also facing murder charges.

The investigation team had previously confiscated documents from the Beypore and Alappuzha port offices, which substantiated that the Atlantica boat, which was involved in the accident, had been operating in violation of regulations. A complaint was lodged against the fishing boat while it was undergoing ‘unauthorised modifications’ at an’ illegal yard’ in Ponnani. The investigation found that Prasad, the Beypore Port Conservator, had granted permissions without proper scrutiny, and no records were maintained regarding the received complaints. Chief Surveyor Sebastian was also found to have made errors in issuing the fitness certificate for the boat.