Plane Taken Overnight To Undisclosed Location

It's a mystery within a mystery... and both a headache and amusement for thousands in India's commercial capital of Mumbai for the past five days.

A decommissioned Boeing 737 abandoned in a busy Bombay street last weekend was moved in the darkness of night last week. To where... and by who? That, reports the BBC, is not clear.

The Hindustan Times, however, reported the trailer's owner, UTC Carriers, moved the aircraft on orders from the new owner. Said UTC Carriers' Ravi Aggarwal, however, "I do not have permission to disclose his identify or where the plane will be taken."

The plane had belonged to the private company Air Sahara. Previous reports said it was headed to a New Delhi aviation academy. Its engine, wings and tail had been removed before it began its road journey, leaving the fuselage intact.

The 737 on its giant trailer had fast become a major city attraction after it had been abandoned by its driver after, according to reports, he got lost, asked directions and found himself -- and his 75-foot-long plane -- hemmed in by two-story buildings, garages and small shops, with no way to turn around.

The driver disappeared and the plane and its trailer were marooned for days because no one assumed responsibility for moving the thing.

Although it drew delighted crowds to the area, with scores of people snapping photos and attempting to climb onto and into the aircraft, many business owners were unhappy that it remained and then thrilled when it was suddenly gone.

Restaurant owner Ramji Thapar woke up last Sunday morning to find the aircraft on its giant trailer abandoned on the road.

"(Last) Saturday night I shut shop and go home and everything is fine," he told the BBC. "Sunday morning when I get here, this aircraft is here near my restaurant!"

Pradeep Malhotra, who runs a catering service in the area, said the plane had become a huge problem because it was parked right in front of his shop, preventing him loading his lorries.

"I'm thrilled to see that it is gone," Shaila Kachare, told the BBC. "Life's back to normal."

FMI: www.boeing.com/commercial/737family, www.carrierindia.com