‘Black Rose’ Sinking Mystery: Odisha Home Dept Writes To DGP For Proper Steps

Bhubaneswar: Amid demand for a CBI probe into the mysterious sinking of Mongolian Vessel MV Black Rose around 15 years ago, Odisha’s Home Department has written to the Director General of Police (DGP) to take appropriate action as per law.

According to sources, the development came after an RTI activist during Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi’s grievance hearing sought CBI investigation into the mystery shrouding the sinking of the ship near Paradip port.

Urgent intervention of the Odisha government was sought to unravel the mystery and resolve the issue in the greater interest of the state.

It may be noted that the ship had sunk near Paradip Port in Jagatsinghpur district on September 9, 2009. The ship was reportedly carrying 23,847 metric tons of iron ore and 920 metric tons of furnace oil to China.

As no one claimed the cargo on the ship, it was suspected that the iron ore worth crores of rupees were being smuggled abroad through the ship. While 26 among the 27 core members were rescued, the chief engineer of the ship died

Out of the 27 crew members present on board the cargo ship, 26 were rescued while the chief engineer of the vessel lost his life. Several opposition political parties had then alleged that the vessel was engaged in the illegal transportation of iron-ore and other minerals by forging documents. They also alleged that ‘Black Rose’ was used to bring iron ore for sponge (iron) plants belonging to some BJD leaders by forging documents.

Though CBI inquiry into the incident was demanded many times and intervention of the Orissa High Court was also sought over the matter, the previous government was allegedly reluctant to grant permission for probe by the central agency.