Two arrested for leaking Navy secrets via WhatsApp
Udupi: The Malpe police have arrested two men, Rohit (29) and Santri (37) from Uttar Pradesh, for illegally sharing confidential information related to Indian Navy ships, including their serial numbers, via WhatsApp to gain unlawful advantage.
The case is linked to Udupi’s Cochin Shipyard, a central government-owned facility under the Ministry of Shipping, which constructs and maintains naval vessels. Rohit had previously worked at Kochi Shipyard Limited in Kerala, where he had access to classified data regarding Indian Navy ships.
During this period, he shared sensitive information, including ship serial numbers, via WhatsApp with unauthorized individuals, earning illicit benefits.
After moving to Udupi and joining M.S. Sushma Marine Private Limited—a subcontractor associated with Cochin Shipyard—Rohit continued to obtain sensitive information from his contacts in Kochi. He allegedly shared this data through WhatsApp with unauthorized recipients, compromising India’s sovereignty, internal security, and national integrity.
The Cochin Shipyard, Udupi division, reported the matter to the Malpe police, which registered a case following the complaint. The investigation has been led by Assistant Superintendent of Police, Karkala Subdivision, Harsha Priyamvada IPS, with Malpe Police Inspector Anil Kumar D, ASI Hareesh, and PC Ravi Jadhav actively involved in tracking and apprehending the suspects.
Both accused were produced before the court and remanded in judicial custody until December 7. Authorities are examining the extent of the leak and its potential impact on national security, while further investigation is underway to identify any other individuals involved in the illegal sharing of sensitive naval information.
The case has raised concerns over the protection of classified data in government facilities and the misuse of digital platforms like WhatsApp to disseminate sensitive information, highlighting the need for stricter internal controls and monitoring in strategic sectors.
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