The explosion that led to the death of 18 naval personnel in the INS Sindhurakshak submarine on the intervening night of 13th and 14th of this month was due to the possible ignition of armament.

Making a statement in the Rajya Sabha today Defence Minister A K Antony said this is the outcome of the preliminary investigations. He said the cause of ignition is, however, yet to be established. He hoped visual and forensic examination will throw more light on the possible cause of ignition. This will be possible only after the submarine is afloat and dewatered.

The Defence Minister said a Board of Inquiry by specialists has been set up to investigate the likely causes of the accident at the earliest. Meanwhile, extensive checks on weapon-related safety systems on all operational submarines of the Indian Navy have been ordered. Expressing his anguish over the death of all the three officers and 15 sailors, Mr Antony said their families will be given all support. A Special Family Cell has been formed at the Western Naval Command in Mumbai for this purpose.

In another statement on the incidents on the Line of Control, the Defence Minister warned Islamabad that those in Pakistan, who are responsible for the recent brutal killing of five Indian soldiers and two jawans earlier this year, should not go unpunished. He reiterated that these incidents will have consequences on New Delhi’s behaviour on LoC and its relations with Pakistan.

He made it India’s restraint should not be taken for granted, nor should the capacity of the Indian Armed Forces to uphold the sanctity of the Line of Control ever be doubted.