Crime branch preparing database of arrested pirates

The Mumbai police crime branch is preparing a database of the pirates who were arrested by the Indian Navy and handed over to Yellow Gate police. Shailendra Mohan reports.

The Mumbai police crime branch is preparing a database of the pirates who were arrested by the Indian Navy and handed over to Yellow Gate police. The Central Intelligence Unit (CIU) of the crime branch is preparing the database.

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It will include photographs, fingerprints and other distinguishable features of every pirate that has been arrested. “The process is going on and we hope to complete it soon,” said a senior crime branch officer on condition of anonymity.

Deven Bharti, additional commissioner of police said the crime branch is the nodal authority that liaisons with the Interpol. “The basic purpose is to share the available information with Interpol as and when required,” Bharti said.

Crime branch sources said that since the pirates have committed crimes in international waters, the Interpol may want to know more about them. “ It will also help us in the future because we will have ready information about them,” an officer said.

Sources said the police generally prepare a database on the basis of the accused’ crime and the modus operandi used. “There is no racial profiling,” a source said on condition of anonymity.

He added that once a criminal is arrested, he is photographed and then a prescribed form is filled which contains basic information about the accused.