The seizure was initially viewed as a routine enforcement action but quickly ballooned into a high-profile case 

Metro India News | AMARAVATI

The Stella EL cargo ship, which had been stranded off the Kakinada coast for an unprecedented 55 days, has finally been cleared to sail. The ship’s detention had sparked widespread controversy following allegations of illegal rice transportation.

The matter garnered significant public attention, particularly after Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan’s emphatic directive to “seize the ship” turned the issue into a statewide political flashpoint.

The vessel’s detention began when suspicions arose regarding its cargo of ration rice, purportedly meant for illegal export. Authorities launched an investigation to ascertain whether the rice onboard was subsidized stock intended for domestic distribution under government welfare schemes. The case quickly escalated into a political debate, with opposition parties accusing the government of negligence and complicity in the alleged smuggling.

In this regard, officials confirmed that the unloading of the ration rice from the Stella EL had been successfully completed. This step was followed by the payment of all pending dues.

The ship’s steamer agent settled anchorage charges and export duties owed to the port authority, securing a “no dues” certificate in the process. Subsequently, the customs department issued the long-awaited clearance, enabling the vessel to resume its journey.

The Stella EL is now set to sail toward the port of Cotonou in Benin, a major commercial hub on the West African coast. Kakinada District Collector Shan Mohan officially confirmed that all legal and procedural requirements had been fulfilled. “The ship has been granted permission to proceed to its destination after a thorough investigation and resolution of pending issues,” Mohan stated.

The prolonged episode highlighted the operational vulnerabilities and enforcement challenges faced by maritime authorities. The seizure was initially viewed as a routine enforcement action but quickly ballooned into a high-profile case. Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan’s intervention amplified its prominence, with his directive symbolizing the government’s stance against illegal trade practices.

The opposition, led by regional parties, leveraged the incident to launch a broader

critique of the government’s policies on public distribution systems and maritime governance. They accused the ruling administration of allowing welfare resources to slip into the hands of smugglers. Meanwhile, the government sought to project the resolution of the case as evidence of its commitment to upholding accountability and safeguarding public assets.

The Stella EL’s clearance to sail marked the conclusion of a contentious chapter that drew attention from both local and international observers. As the vessel resumes its voyage, questions linger about the systemic gaps that allowed the alleged illegal activity to occur and the broader implications for India’s maritime regulatory framework.