Military diplomat suspects terrorism behind blast, fire aboard Indian sub
MUMBAI. Aug 14 (Interfax-AVN) - An explosion aboard the modernized diesel-powered submarine Sindhurakshak of the Indian Navy in the run up to Independence Day in India could have been committed by terrorists, a military-diplomatic source told Interfax-AVN on Wednesday.
"It is quite possible that someone decided to disrupt the Indian people's main national holiday, Independence Day, which is celebrated on August 15," he said.
The very nature of the incident could suggest that terrorists are behind it, the source said.
"There was an explosion first and only then a fire on board the diesel-powered submarine, which was not moving but near its mooring and none of its units were operating," the source said.
The source said the submarine, which was recently upgraded at the Russian ship maintenance center Zvezdochka and successfully carried out a trans-Atlantic passage to an Indian naval base, was flawless in technical terms, and the Indian crew was operating it skillfully.
BBC reported earlier that an explosion occurred in the Sindhurakshak with 18 sailors aboard. Navy spokesman Narendra Vispute said the explosion was followed by a fire and rescuers were doing all they could to rescue the crew and the submarine. Later reports from India said the sailors were killed.
Indian media said the submarine recently returned from Russia, where it underwent an interim overhaul and upgrading.