A major security breach has been reported at Cochin Shipyard in Kerala after a pro-Pakistan message was discovered carved onto the inner wall of an under-construction vessel, police said on Sunday.
The graffiti, reading “I Love Pakistan,” was found etched with a sharp object inside a commercial service operation vessel (CSOV) being built for a UK-based firm. Following the discovery, a case has been registered under Section 152 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which deals with acts endangering the sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India.
The case was lodged at the Ernakulam Town South Police Station based on formal complaints filed by the shipyard management and the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), which is responsible for the facility’s security.
According to police officials, around 100 individuals — including permanent employees and contractual workers — had access to the vessel during its construction. Investigators have begun focusing on those who had entry to the specific area where the graffiti was found, particularly since no CCTV cameras were installed in that section.
“During a preliminary inquiry, statements of over 200 shipyard employees have been recorded. We are questioning personnel who had access to the vessel and collecting scientific evidence,” a police official said.
Authorities are also examining biometric attendance data and entry registers to track movement within the shipyard. Investigators are probing whether the act involved insider assistance.
Initial suspicions that the graffiti may have been inscribed before the vessel docked in Kochi were ruled out after inspection confirmed that the markings were recent.
Security agencies have termed the incident a serious concern, noting that Cochin Shipyard is a critical defence and commercial shipbuilding facility. The shipyard has previously constructed advanced naval platforms, including India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant.
Legal experts have also highlighted the gravity of the offence, stating that such acts could have implications for national security. Under Section 152 of the BNS, any act that incites or attempts to incite secession, armed rebellion, or subversive activities—or endangers the nation’s sovereignty and integrity—can attract severe punishment, including life imprisonment or a prison term of up to seven years, along with a fine.
Police said further investigation is underway to identify those responsible and determine the motive behind the act.
Also read: ED summons former Kerala CM’s daughter again in CMRL case
Follow us
