Seventen Pakistani infiltrators, who were apprehended on three vessels on the high seas by the Coast Guard on Sunday, are being escorted to the city for interrogation. Three high-speed mechanised boats were impounded during the operation.

Arrangements have been made to bring the three skippers to the city to face joint interrogation by the Coast Guard, Navy and officers of the Intelligence Bureau. Their names are Abdul Manan, Dodo Miaz and Habib-ul-Rehman, sources said.

Officials have refrained from disclosing the contraband seized from the vessel fearing that it could hamper further investigation. It is however, suspected that the boat was carrying sophisticated arms and ammunition.

The seizure comes hot on the heels after Coast Guard impounded Pakistani vessel Safina Madina in the same area on September 6 last month. Officials arrested 18 Bangladeshi and two Pakistani crew members during the raid.

Deep sea patrolling has been intensified afterthe Kargil conflict. Also, the creek area is known for smuggling activities and Pakistani Inter Services Intelligence sponsored activities, intelligence sources revealed.

Gangster killed in encounter with cops

A 24-year-old gangster was shot dead in a skirmish with police officers at Malad (E) this morning.

The police, who had laid a trap for Sabrimuthu Nadar alias Kalya Anthony near Adarsh Vidyalaya, spotted him around 5.15 am. When they tried to apprehend him, he allegedly attacked them with a kukri. Sub-inspector A Salunke was injured on the arm, say police sources.

Nadar was fatally injured when the police opened fire in retaliation, and was declared dead before he was admitted to Bhagwati Hospital. He has been named in at least six cases, including rape, police sources said.

-- Newsline reports