Singapore: Indian authorities are seeking the extradition of a shipowner in Singapore. 

India’s Crime Branch has written to a court in Singapore demanding the extradition of Kok Sitki, the owner of the vessel, Black Rose (pixtured), a Mongolian ship that sank off the Odisha coast near Paradip five years ago.

On September 9, 2009, the 32-year-old ship sank in the Bay Bengal with a load of 23,843 tonnes of iron ore, 947 tonnes of flammable furnace oil and 47 tonnes of diesel. The ship's captain produced fake insurance papers and other forged documents to anchor it at the port, the Indian police claim.

Three months ago Indian police contacted Interpol to hunt down Sikti. "He is a fugitive and should be extradited to India for trial," an Indian police officer told local media.

Five years ago, Paradip’s marine police department filed a case against Sikti, Singapore-based Black Rose Maritime Limited, Pacmar Shipping Private Limited and Hong Kong-based charterer of the ship Devi Trading Company Limited for allegedly furnishing forged and fabricated insurance papers and other documents to anchor Black Rose in Paradip. No arrest has been made so far. [07/10/14]