Is Dubai ship part of 'scrap scam'?

KARWAR: The controversy surrounding the entry of Dubai ship `M V Shahin' into India's sea waters near Karwar took a new turn on Friday with the port officials deciding to take the ship to Goa.
Though other ships are visiting Karwar port as usual, the port officials have not brought `Shahin' to the jetty, citing the reason of sea being `hostile'. According to sources, the port authorities are avoiding the ship at the jetty after Uttar Kannada SP said that he would check the credentials of the sailors.
Port officials have disputed reports that ship crew members are involved in illegal activities.The reports are that metal scrap smuggling was rampant in the port.
According to them, some port officials are supporting a powerful politician's smuggling activities. Sources added that 5,000-10,000 tonnes copper and titanium scraps from different countries are unloaded at islands near Karwar before being transshipped to different destinations as scraps produced in India. "Officials of many departments, who have been getting commission, are keeping quite because of the political clout being enjoyed by those involved," they said, adding the police must investigate the ship issue with regard to the scam.
According to them, the coastal police, the port authorities and other department officials know the identity of the person involved in the entire episode. "The ship may be connected to this. Perhaps that's the reason why some port officials are trying to send the sailors to Goa," they said.
When asked about the smuggling of scrap via Karwar port, port officer Capt Swami said that he was not aware of any such activity. Swami said he would look into the matter.