Black Rose sinking controversy: Odisha Home Dept writes to Police DG seeking proper action

Following demand for CBI investigation into the mysterious sinking of the Mongolian Vessel MV Black Rose, the Home Department of Odisha government has written a letter to the Police DG to take proper action as per the provision in law.

The development came after RTI activist Pradeep Pradhan appealed for CBI investigation into the mystery shrouding the sinking of the ship near Paradi port of Odisha during the grievance hearing of Chief Minister Mohan Majhi.

Pradhan had sought the urgent intervention of the Odisha government to resolve the issue in the greater interest of the State.

As per reports, the ship had sunk near the Paradip Port of Odisha on September 9, 2009. The ship was allegedly carrying 23,847 metric tons of iron ore and 920 metric tons of furnace oil to China. With no one claiming the cargo on the ship, it led to speculations that the iron ore worth crores of rupees was being smuggled abroad through the ship. While 26 among the 27 core members were rescued, the chief engineer of the ship died.

It was alleged by the Opposition that some powerful BJD leaders are involved in the case. Though CBI inquiry into the incident was demanded many times and intervention of the Orissa High Court was sought over the matter, the previous government had allegedly suppressed the matter. 

However, after the seriousness shown by the Mohan Majhi government over the matter, the next course of action by the Police DG remains to be seen.