‘Don’t arrest Chitra captain till August 18’

The Sessions Court on Wednesday granted interim relief to the captain of MSC Chitra, Mandeleno Ranjit Martin. The Chitra collided with the MV Khalijia - III on Saturday, 3 kilometres off the Mumbai coast.

The Sessions Court on Wednesday granted interim relief to the captain of MSC Chitra, Mandeleno Ranjit Martin. The Chitra collided with the MV Khalijia - III on Saturday, 3 kilometres off the Mumbai coast.

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Martin filed an anticipatory bail application on Tuesday, saying the collision was because of a navigation error caused by radio communication failure. The court directed the Yellow Gate police, who had registered an offence against Martin, not to arrest him and asked them to file their reply. “The investigation is on. We have not decided whether to arrest Martin or not,” said Public Prosecutor R.V. Kini.

The court gave Martin interim protection till August 18.

Martin said in his application that the Khalijia was grounded off Mumbai on July 19 after there was flooding on it. He said it became un-seaworthy and was brought to Mumbai Port. He added that there was no deliberate negligence on his part.

Martin said the Chitra suffered extensive damage and the owners had engaged experts from Singapore and Rotterdam for salvage operations, in which he had a key role. Martin said there was no need for police custody as there was nothing to recover from him.