A significant security breach has emerged in Udupi, Karnataka, where two contract employees from the Malpe Cochin Shipyard have been arrested over charges of spying for Pakistan, triggering widespread alarm within national security agencies.
The accused, Rohit (29) and Santhri, both originally from Uttar Pradesh and employed through Sushma Marine Pvt. Ltd, were taken into custody following an internal complaint alleging that they had been transmitting confidential shipyard information for over 18 months.
Investigators stated that the duo allegedly shared sensitive data via WhatsApp, reportedly in exchange for financial gain. The information is believed to include identification numbers and specifications of Navy-related vessels under construction, along with details linked to private clients.
The case surfaced after the CEO of Cochin Shipyard submitted a formal complaint, prompting rapid action by Udupi Police. Officials said that during earlier tenure at Cochin Shipyard Limited in Kochi, the prime accused, Rohit, had gained unauthorised access to classified shipbuilding information and illegally forwarded it to external handlers.
Authorities fear that the two may be linked to a larger espionage network, and national security agencies are expected to join the investigation to determine the scale of the breach and identify other possible collaborators.
The duo were produced before court and have now been remanded to police custody till 03 December. Police officials have stressed that the unauthorised transfer of restricted defence-related documentation poses a grave risk to India&rsquo;s sovereignty and security. Further investigation is underway.

Two shipyard employees accused of leaking Navy vessel data

Spies Remanded till Dec 03 in Udupi Espionage Case

Two shipyard employees accused of leaking Navy vessel data

November 22, 2025 | 11:33 IST