Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (JD)
Udupi, Dec 21: In connection with the case involving the alleged unauthorised sharing of sensitive information related to the Indian Navy, Malpe police have arrested a third accused, taking the investigation a step further.
Udupi Cochin Shipyard, Malpe, had engaged M/s Shushma Marine Private Limited as a subcontractor. It is alleged that two employees of the firm, Rohit and Santri, both natives of Uttar Pradesh, unauthorisedly shared confidential details, including a list of Indian Navy ship numbers and other sensitive information, through WhatsApp.
The accused are also alleged to have gained illegal financial benefits by sharing the information.
Based on these allegations, Malpe police station registered a case under Crime No. 128/2025 for offences punishable under Section 152 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Sections 3 and 5 of the Official Secrets Act, 1923.
Under the leadership of the investigating officer, assistant superintendent of police, Karkala sub-division, Harsha Priyamvada, IPS, police had earlier arrested the prime accused, Rohit and Santri. Both are presently in judicial custody.
As the investigation progressed, it came to light that a mobile SIM card had been provided to the accused for use in the alleged offence. Based on this development, the investigation team arrested another accused, Hirendra Kumar, son of Bharat Kumar Khadayat (34), a resident of Kailas Nagari, Anand taluk, Gujarat, on December 21.
According to the police, Hirendra Kumar had obtained a mobile SIM card in his own name and supplied it to the main accused in exchange for money. He has been produced before the Hon’ble Court.
Further investigation into the case is under way, police said.