Security alert at Cochin Shipyard after pro-Pakistan message found on vessel | Kochi News
Kochi: A security alert has been sounded at Cochin Shipyard Ltd (CSL) after a pro-Pakistan message was found scrawled inside a ship currently docked at the facility for maintenance.CSL has launched an internal investigation into the incident and lodged a formal complaint with Ernakulam South police on Thursday, sources said. The police, though, are yet to register a case, it launched a preliminary inquiry into the matter.The security personnel discovered the words ‘I Love Pakistan’ scratched on the internal wall of a vessel over a week ago. The ship was reportedly brought to the yard for routine maintenance and refitting work.Given the strategic importance of the shipyard, which handles major defence contracts, including construction and maintenance of Navy vessels, the incident is being treated with the utmost seriousness, sources added.“A preliminary probe has been launched to identify the individuals who had access to the specific section of the vessel. We are reviewing biometric logs and CCTV footage,” police said.Investigators are currently compiling a list of employees, contractual labourers and ship crew members who boarded the vessel. CSL has temporarily tightened access controls, mandating stricter identity verification at all entry points.While officials have not ruled out the possibility of a prank by some local worker, the sources cited that central intelligence agencies may join the investigation. “The sensitivity of the installation makes any unauthorized entry or act of vandalism a potential breach of national security,” they said.
