Am on phone, can't remember the name, but the INS Rajput was on pursuit - it was detected and the IN had intel on PNS Ghazi's whereabouts and approx plan (to neutralize Vikrant). What IN confirms is this -
i. PNS Ghazi was spotted and attacked by INS Rajput
ii. Ghazi was laying mines from 3 December to 4 December in the approaches of Vizag harbor hoping for Vikrant to enter and cripple itself.
iii. Rajput dropped barrels and Ghazi was forced to take evasive maneuvers.
Next IN claims that the anti sub barrels themselves triggered the explosion and the sub sank with all hands lost.
Some military experts(Indian Naval officers) say that it may have crippled it, but the Ghazi perhaps (forced to submerge excessively) hit one of her own mines and blew itself up, this was exacerbated by the overheating diesel engines + increased pressure with extra depth. We can't be sure exactly what was the last nail in Ghazi's coffin.
The IN refused salvage operations for years. Till 2003 when they took out the bodies of the dead and gave them military burials.
http://webcache.googleusercontent.c...essel/1/196709.html+&cd=1&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us
The remains of the letters of the dead and the logs and operational documents are put on display in museum, but the site is not disturbed (under IN protection) otherwise as a recognized war grave.