'No terror angle': Maharashtra deputy CM on boat found with 3 Ak-47s, bullets

Local police officials told news agency ANI a lifeboat had also been recovered and that both vessels were empty when found.

The abandoned boat found off the coast of Maharashtra's Raigad with a weapons case containing three Ak-47 assault rifles and 10 boxes of ammunition belongs to an Australian woman travelling from Muscat to Europe, deputy chief minister Devendra Fadnavis said Thursday afternoon.

Case filled with 3 assault rifle and live bullets found off Maharashtra coast

Fadnavis told reporters 'there is no confirmation of any terror angle' and that the occupants had been rescued in June by the Korean navy amid rough seas. He said the boat then drifted towards the Maharashtra coast to be found today.

"The boat is owned by an Australian lady whose husband is captain... boat was travelling from Muscat to Europe (starting on) June 26. Captain gave a distress call after boat was caught in rough seas (and) Korean navy rescued and handed them over to Oman authorities," the deputy chief minister explained.

"Boat then drifted and was found today at Harihareshwar beach."

However, he also added: "We are not ruling out anything, investigating all aspects. Police have been asked to be on high alert."

Fadnavis said an anti-terrorism squad had been called in as a precautionary measure and that 'additional forces will also be deployed if necessary'.

A white powerboat was found with a case of deadly weapons

Earlier in the day alarm bells rang after the boat and guns were discovered. Security in the area was increased, particularly in view of major religious festivals to be celebrated this weekend, including Krishna Janmashtami.

The boat was found less than 200 km from Mumbai. Local police told news agency ANI a lifeboat (also empty) had also been found (at Bharadkhol).

Visuals shared by ANI show what appeared to be a white powerboat drifting a short distance offshore at Harihareshwar. A small crowd can be seen.

After the discovery, Nationalist Congress Party MLA Aditi Tatkare called on Fadnavis and his boss, chief minister Eknath Shinde, to 'urgently appoint special team of ATS or (a) state agency'.

With input from ANI, PTI