BLACKROSE

scrapped

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Formal inquiry into sinking to be launched

The Odisha BJP MLA Padmalochan Panda announced a formal inquiry into the sinking of the''Black Rose' near Paradip, alleging BJD's involvement in foul play and iron-ore smuggling. The MLA reiterated former claims by his party regarding possible foul play and the involvement of high-profile personalities behind theshipwreck. Further, he stated that Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi was in discussion to proceed with the inquiry, which will focus on identifying who was importing goods through the ship, whether it had the required permits and licenses, and what activities were being carried out on it: “The previous BJD government never inquired who operated the ship, who had ordered the shipment or whether it had a permit to enter the port. Massive corruption has taken place during the previous regime and CM Majhi will soon announce a formal inquiry to expose the truth." The renewed investigation call follows earlier demands from Odisha BJP for a CBI probe into the sinking of the vessel on Sep 9, 2009, carrying 23,847 metric tons of iron ore and 920 metric tons of furnace oil to China. Speculations had then arisen that the iron ore worth crores of rupees was being smuggled abroad. While 26 of the 27 crew members were rescued, the chief engineer died. Additionally, no concrete reasons behind its sinking were ever known. Before forming the current government, the Odisha BJP alleged that BJD leaders were involved in the case. Moreover, it had also alleged that despite multiple demands for a CBI inquiry and intervention by the Orissa High Court, the previous government allegedly suppressed the matter.

Petitioner demanded CBI enquiry into Black Rose shipwreck

A Orissa High Court’s order was seeking information on the petitioner who had demanded a CBI enquiry into the sinking of the 'Black Rose'. At least two cases were filed in this connection which were disposed off by the Court earlier. However later, another petition was filed by an RTI activist Pradeep Pradhan seeking a CBI probe. The Shipping Corporation had written to the Union Home Ministry to allow a CBI probe in the sinking of the 'Black Rose'. When asked, the CBI had sought a No-Objection-Certificate (NOC) from the Odisha government to initiate a probe. Despite the Union Home Ministry’s letter seeking NOC from the Odisha government, the State government allegedly sat on the letter for years delaying the probe. It forced the RTI activist Pradhan to file another petition in the HC requesting the court to ask Odisha government to provide the NOC at the earliest. During the hearing, the Advocate General of the Odisha government raised several objections over Pradeep Pradhan himself. The Odisha government argued that Pradhan had a malicious intent and he also had multiple criminal cases pending against him. So, the court asked Pradhan to file an affidavit on all the allegations against him. The High Court has also directed to send the copy of the affidavit to the Paradip Port, the Central Government counsel appearing for the opposite party and the government advocate of Odisha government. The matter has been listed to be heard on March 19, 2024, when the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) submitted an affidavit with the High Court of Orissa. Report with photo: https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/odisha-govt-reluctant-to-hand-over-black-rose-ship-sinking-probe-cbi-affidavit-885827

Orissa High Court finished hearing

The Orissa High Court has finished the hearing of the 'Black Rose' case which was going on in the HC Bench comprised of Chief Justice Dr Justice S Muralidhar and Justice BP Routray. As per reports hearing of the case was going on for the Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Sarbeswara Beura. The case was being trailed in the Court since 2014. The Court has held that if the petitioner wants he can file a fresh petition in this regard. The Charge sheet had been filed following investigation of the case by the Crime Branch. During investigation it was known that the ship did not have a valid insurance policy. The ship, registered with UK-based South of England P&I Club, had no valid document and even the insurance papers deposited by the vessel owner was found to be fake. It was found out that the ship capsized as it was loaded with minerals beyond its capacity. However, Sarbeswar Beura had filed the case in 2014 for the proper investigation of the case.