Central intelligence agencies have started investigating an incident involving an alleged anti-national inscription at Cochin Shipyard. The investigation relates to an inscription reading “I Love Pakistan” found written inside a vessel that had been brought to Cochin Shipyard for maintenance. The investigation began following a complaint lodged by the Cochin Shipyard authorities. There are reports that there is no CCTV camera in the maintenance area. A security lapse has been alleged in this regard. The Kochi City Police and Central agencies have now simultaneously begun the inquiry.
The inscription was found on June 12. According to reports and the police, the pro-Pakistan slogan was inscribed using a sharp tool. This is the third alleged security lapse at Cochin Shipyard during the last six years. The security department of Cochin Shipyard lodged a complaint with the Ernakulam South Police Station of the Kochi City Police.
Contract labourers first noticed the inscription, following which the Shipyard authorities reached the spot. Around 100 labourers are working in that section, and they are being questioned by the police. The absence of CCTV cameras has been described as a major security lapse.
Central security agencies are reportedly concerned about the continued security lapses at Cochin Shipyard, as the Indian Navy’s aircraft carriers, several other naval vessels, and foreign ships regularly call there.
In 2019, a hard disc was reported missing from INS Vikrant, the aircraft carrier of the Indian Navy. Security agencies recovered it in 2022. There were reports that the accused had worked in the Udupi Malpe division of Cochin Shipyard. He allegedly stole the hard disc while working at Cochin Shipyard. There were also reports that he leaked confidential information relating to naval ships to Pakistan through a honeytrap.
Kochi Police are now inquiring into the case relating to the inscription. CCTV footage from other parts of the Shipyard is also being examined.
The majority of the third-party contract labourers are migrants from other states. Therefore, scrutiny of their documents and possible issues relating to citizenship may create complexities during the inquiry. Central agencies have reportedly collected preliminary information.
