Malpe: Another accused from Gujarat arrested in naval secrets leak to Pakistan case

Mangalore Today News Network

Udupi, December 22, 2025: In connection with a case involving the sharing of sensitive information related to the Indian Navy with Pakistan in exchange for illegal gains, the Udupi police have arrested another accused.

The arrested individual has been identified as Hirendra Kumar (34), son of Bharat Kumar Khadayat, a resident of Kailas Nagari, Anand taluk, Gujarat. With this arrest, the total number of accused in the case has risen to three. Earlier, on November 21, the police had arrested Rohit and Santri, both natives of Uttar Pradesh. All the accused are currently in judicial custody.

According to the police, Rohit and Santri were working with a subcontracting firm at the Malpe Cochin Shipyard. They allegedly shared confidential information related to Indian Navy vessels, including secret lists of ship numbers and other sensitive details, with contacts in Pakistan through WhatsApp, and received money in return. A case in this regard was registered at the Malpe police station.

As the investigation progressed, a team led by Karkala Sub-Division Assistant Superintendent of Police Harsha Priyamvada arrested Hirendra Kumar on December 21. The arrest was made based on evidence that he had provided mobile SIM cards to the accused. For monetary gain, he had obtained SIM cards in his own name and handed them over to the accused. He was produced before the court, and further investigation is underway.

Information confirmed to have been sent to Pakistan: SP

Udupi Superintendent of Police Hariram Shankar said that at the initial stage of the investigation, there was suspicion that the information shared by the accused for money may have been sent to Pakistan. However, a detailed probe and technical evidence have now confirmed that the information was indeed transmitted to Pakistan.

The SP further stated that Hirendra Kumar not only supplied the SIM cards used to share information with Pakistan but also shared OTPs required to activate WhatsApp accounts with individuals based in Pakistan. He is also believed to have provided technical guidance to the two previously arrested accused.

As the case pertains to India’s internal security, sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) have been invoked against all the accused, the SP added.

Appealing to the public, the SP urged citizens to immediately inform the police if they notice any suspicious activities in their surroundings. He also asked people to alert authorities if foreign nationals are seen visiting beaches, ports, homestays or resorts, or if unfamiliar individuals approach them seeking work.