Kerala police are investigating the message ‘I love Pakistan’ found on a ship at the Cochin shipyard

File image of Cochin Shipyard | Photo credit: special arrangement

The Kochi city police have launched a preliminary investigation after a message saying “I love Pakistan” was found engraved inside the vessel, which was brought to the Cochin Shipyard in Kochi, Kerala for maintenance.

The investigation was launched after Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) authorities reported the matter to the police on June 12, police sources said. The message, written on the inner wall of the vessel using a sharp object, was spotted by maintenance staff, the sources added.

A case will be registered after completion of preliminary investigation, sources said.

The Ernakulam South police, who are investigating the complaint, have recorded the statements of employees involved in the maintenance of the vessel. Registers and other records are also examined. “A large number of employees, including permanent and temporary employees and third-party contract employees at the facility. We are trying to determine who all may have had access to the vessel,” said a city police officer. He said there is no CCTV in the premises.

Internal probe on

CSL is yet to comment on the matter, although reports say the shipyard’s internal security wing has also launched an investigation. Central investigative agencies are also likely to look into the matter given the importance of the shipyard as a highly sensitive and strategically key facility. CSL builds and maintains major naval assets, including warships and aircraft carriers of the Indian Navy.

There have been major safety concerns at the shipyard in recent years, leading to cases and investigations. Contract employees working in the Malpe division of the Udupi shipyard were arrested last year for allegedly leaking sensitive maritime information to Pakistani contacts.

Published – 19 Jun 2026 11:45 IST