Overview
- Police identified the men as Rohit, 29, and Santri, 37, from Sultanpur, Uttar Pradesh, who worked as insulators hired via Shushma Marine Pvt. Ltd. at Cochin Shipyard units in Malpe and Kochi.
- Investigators allege the pair sent classified ship lists and identification numbers to contacts in Pakistan through WhatsApp and Facebook in exchange for money.
- The case followed a November 19 complaint by the Udupi Cochin Shipyard CEO, with offences registered under Section 152 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Sections 3 and 5 of the Official Secrets Act.
- The two were arrested on November 20, remanded to judicial custody until December 3, and had their digital devices seized as police move to seek custody to question possible associates.
- Authorities say Rohit allegedly shared sensitive data for about 18 months and appears to be the key conduit, while a reported link to a recent Delhi blast remains uncorroborated by other outlets.