KOCHI: The police seized a houseboat that was carrying more people than allowed on the Ernakulam Marine Drive.

Two employees were arrested in connection with the incident. Nikhil Dayal (36) of Kattumpurath House and MK Ganesh (37) of Nayarambalam's Maniyamthuruth were arrested. It is also reported that Nishad Kumar (25) and Jyotish (27), crew members of the boat Sandhya, who helped hide their violation of the law, have been taken into custody. About 40 people were carried on the St. Mary's boat, which was allowed to carry only 13 people. The action was taken following a tip-off received by Ernakulam Assistant Commissioner Jayakumar Chandramohan.

The police got the information as soon as St. Mary's boat started the pleasure trip with 40 people. As soon as the Central Police team reached Marine Drive, the crew of St Mary's boat came to know about it. Then they made a plan to bring 'Sandhya' boat to the place where they were and transfer half of the passengers to this boat to escape, but the move failed. The statement of the passengers were crucial.

The police informed that they will take steps including canceling the license of the boat.

The police informed that strong action will be taken from today against those who do not follow the instructions to install the capacity board in front of the boat.