‘Weight might be reason for abandoning supplies’

KOCHI: Why did the group of people, who were suspected to have left from Munambam coast, abandon their bags at various places in the state, leaving a trace ?

If not for the bags, no one would have known that over 40 people have illegally migrated from the harbour in a boat.

Police suspect that they abandoned the bags at homestays and on the roads at the last moment as the agents would have restricted them from carrying too much weight. “Weight could be a reason. Otherwise, they would have properly disposed of the bags without inviting public attention,” said police.

“We also suspect that they wanted to leave the place as soon as possible due to the fear of getting identified. This happens in a contingency situation if they suspect leakage of information or they were forced to obey agents’ commands,” said police. Most bags have dry fruits, water bottles, medicines and clothes just sufficient for a 15-day journey.

However, those in the fishing sector rule out the weight factor. “ We usually carry up to 300 ice blocks that weigh 80kg each. This is in addition to 8,000 litres of diesel, water and fishing equipment in each boat. They could have easily taken the lugguage ,” said a boat owner.

Meanwhile, Intelligence sources said they have been looking into all aspects. “Abandoning the bags could also be a deliberate attempt to divert attention.,” said sources.