In a significant breach of national security protocols, Kochi Harbour Police have arrested Mujeeb Rahman, a resident of Kozhikode, Kerala, for attempting to gather classified information about the location of India’s indigenously built aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant. The incident occurred at the height of Operation Sindoor, India’s retaliatory military strike against terror bases in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
According to police sources, Rahman posed as an official named “Raghavan” from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) and contacted the Kochi Naval Headquarters, seeking the precise operational location of the aircraft carrier. Naval officers, finding the request suspicious, immediately flagged the attempt and coordinated with law enforcement. The Indian Navy denied the information and initiated an investigation that led to Rahman’s arrest.
Rahman, who has a criminal history that includes a murder charge from 2024, was traced through two mobile phone numbers used to make the inquiry. Following his identification, a joint team comprising the Kochi Harbour Police, Indian Navy, and Intelligence Bureau (IB) apprehended him. He is currently being interrogated to determine whether his actions were self-motivated or part of a broader espionage network.
A case has been registered under Section 319(2) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNS) and the Official Secrets Act of 1923, both of which deal with crimes that threaten national security or assist hostile entities. Authorities are treating the case with utmost seriousness due to its implications during a period of heightened military readiness.
The arrest comes just days after the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025, which killed 26 civilians and triggered India’s missile strike operation across the border. With military assets like INS Vikrant playing a pivotal role in India’s defense posture, any attempt to compromise their security is being met with strict legal and investigative measures.
In a related development, the Kerala government, through the Non-Resident Keralites Affairs (NORKA) department, has facilitated the return of 75 Malayali students from sensitive border regions, including Jammu, Rajasthan, and Punjab, citing concerns over regional instability.
Security agencies continue to probe Rahman’s background and possible links to foreign intelligence outfits. Officials reiterated their commitment to safeguarding strategic military infrastructure and warned of increased vigilance in view of current geopolitical tensions.
