The Customs Department in Porbander has refused permission to Maa and Kaveri, the two other boats owned by Kuber owner Vinod Masani, to venture into sea. The Porbander Fishing Boats’ Association has expressed anger at the move to refuse the mandatory creek pass for the two boats. Association president Jivan Jungi said the two boats have no role in the Mumbai attacks and hence it was unfair to deny them permission. “We have taken up the issue with Custom officials and hope matters will be sorted out in a day or two,” he said.

“Many security agencies are now camping here. They might want to check the boats or interrogate the crew members, and so we can’t allow them to venture out to sea. There is no official ban on these boats, they have just been told to remain at port for now,” said the Customs officials.