In a major security breach with serious implications for India’s maritime defence, Udupi district police have arrested two contract employees for allegedly leaking classified information from the Cochin Shipyard to Pakistani handlers over an extended period of 18 months.
The arrested individuals, identified as Rohit (29) and Santri (37) from Sultanpur district in Uttar Pradesh, were employed at the Malpe-based Cochin Shipyard facility through a private contracting agency. According to police, both men had access to sensitive operational data and ship-related information as part of their assigned duties.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the duo shared confidential details — including ship construction data, vessel identification numbers, and classified lists related to Indian Navy and private client vessels — through WhatsApp to individuals believed to be linked with Pakistani intelligence operatives. Officials said the information was allegedly transmitted in exchange for money.
The case came to light after senior management at the Udupi Cochin Shipyard detected irregularities and filed a formal complaint with local law enforcement authorities. Following the complaint, a special investigation team led by Assistant Superintendent of Police Harsha Priyavada was constituted to trace the source of the leak. The team monitored digital communication trails and financial transactions before apprehending the suspects.
Police have registered a case under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for acts endangering national sovereignty and security, along with sections of the Official Secrets Act, 1923, which governs the protection of classified government information. Both accused have been remanded to judicial custody until December 3, while further technical and forensic examinations continue.
Investigators suspect that the information leak may be part of a wider espionage network operating through contract workers at sensitive defence establishments. Given the prolonged duration of the data transfer — nearly 18 months — agencies are now examining whether more individuals were involved or if other strategic facilities may have been compromised.
Security experts warn that insider threats pose an increasing challenge as India’s defence infrastructure continues to expand and engage a large contract-based workforce. The case highlights the need for more stringent background checks, enhanced monitoring systems, and improved cybersecurity protocols in shipyards and other critical installations handling confidential military data.
Authorities are now coordinating with central intelligence agencies to assess the potential impact of the leaked information and to identify the overseas handlers involved. A detailed review of employee access protocols at the shipyard is also underway to prevent similar breaches in the future.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the evolving nature of security risks faced by India’s defence ecosystem and underscores the importance of robust surveillance and vetting mechanisms to safeguard sensitive national assets.
