Authorities continue the probe, emphasizing the vigilant protection of classified military information amid rising espionage concerns.
The Udupi police in Karnataka have arrested two men from Uttar Pradesh for allegedly sharing classified information about Indian Navy ships with contacts in Pakistan, in a case raising serious national security concerns. The accused, Rohit (29) and Santri (37), both residents of Sultanpur, Uttar Pradesh, were employed as contract workers at the Cochin Shipyard’s Malpe unit under a subcontracting company, M/S Shushma Marine Private Limited.
Rohit, who previously worked at Cochin Shipyard in Kochi, is said to have illegally transmitted sensitive information including shipbuilding details, vessel numbers, and repair schedules related to Indian Navy vessels via WhatsApp over a period of approximately 18 months. Even after his transfer to Malpe, he continued to obtain and share confidential data from his associate in Kochi. Santri, his accomplice, was similarly implicated in accessing and sharing classified shipyard information.
The Udupi Police took action following a complaint filed by the CEO of Udupi Cochin Shipyard. The case was registered under provisions of the Official Secrets Act, 1923, and other applicable sections related to breach of national security. Law enforcement agencies suspect that this leaked information was sent to Pakistani handlers, posing a direct threat to India’s maritime security and sovereignty.
During questioning, it was revealed that both men received monetary compensation in exchange for the classified data. Their digital devices have been confiscated for forensic analysis, and they were remanded to judicial custody until December 3, 2025. Further investigations are ongoing, and national security agencies are expected to join the probe given the gravity of the espionage.
The arrests underscore heightened vigilance in protecting defense infrastructure and the critical importance of cybersecurity protocols at sensitive installations. Authorities have cautioned the public against speculation and stressed that investigations are ongoing to uncover any wider espionage networks that may exist.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the persistent threats faced by vital national defense assets and the continuous effort required to safeguard India’s security interests in an increasingly complex geopolitical environment.
