Police if the verification report is real.” He said they were planning to send a team to UP to check out the same.

When asked about the delay on the part of the port office in filing the complaint, Jhala said: “It surprises me also. Only the port officials can answer that.”

The police now plan to interrogate Hamid Ali Sodha, the owner of the vessel Al-Farooqi. Sodha had introduced the three UP residents to help them get the SMCs.

Mandvi Port Officer Damor said, “Here, I am the only one to look after several matters. And before lodging the complaint, I also have to apprise higher officials about the issue. This matter would have remained buried in files had I not lodged the complaint,” he said.

Principal Secretary, Ports, H K Dash refused to comment on the issue owing to his busy schedule.