UDUPI: The arrest of a fourth accused in the alleged naval espionage case has intensified investigations into what police describe as a “systematic and prolonged” leak of sensitive defence information to Pakistan. The case involves confidential data linked to Indian Navy vessels allegedly shared on social media platforms.
Udupi police on February 17 confirmed the arrest of 21-year-old Alif Islam, a native of West Bengal, who was reportedly residing in Marayur village in Kerala’s Idukki district. Authorities are verifying his identity documents amid suspicion that he may have foreign links. Officials said further background checks are underway to conclusively establish his nationality.
The case was initially registered at Malpe Police Station following a complaint regarding unauthorised transmission of classified information from a unit of Cochin Shipyard Limited operating at Malpe port in Udupi district. The shipyard, a major defence public sector undertaking headquartered in Kerala, builds vessels for the Indian Navy, including tugboats and auxiliary ships, and also caters to private clients.
According to investigators, sensitive details such as ship numbers, movement schedules and technical specifications were allegedly shared via WhatsApp and Facebook with contacts believed to be operating from Pakistan. The information exchange is said to have continued for nearly one-and-a-half years before it was detected.
Police sources indicate that the accused were allegedly lured through online interactions and were promised financial incentives in exchange for confidential information. Digital forensic teams are currently analysing seized mobile phones, laptops and bank transaction records to trace communication trails and identify possible handlers.
Three other accused — Hirendra Kumar from Gujarat and Rohit and Santri from Uttar Pradesh — were arrested in November and December 2025. Rohit and Santri reportedly worked at the Malpe facility through a private contractor, Sushma Marine Private Limited. Investigators believe that Rohit had been transmitting sensitive information even during his earlier tenure in Kerala before being assigned to Malpe.
Officials said the arrest of Alif Islam could help unravel the broader network involved in the alleged espionage activities. Police are also searching for another key suspect and the administrator of a Facebook page that was allegedly used to initiate contact and transfer data.
The CEO of Cochin Shipyard Limited is said to have lodged the original complaint after internal checks raised suspicion over data leakage. Following a preliminary inquiry, Udupi police registered a case under sections related to offences against national sovereignty and unlawful sharing of classified information.
Udupi Superintendent of Police Hariram Shankar stated that the investigation has been intensified, and coordination with central intelligence and national-level agencies is likely in the coming days. “Given the strategic sensitivity of the institution involved, all angles are being thoroughly examined,” a senior officer said.
