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The National Investigation Agency (NIA) conducted extensive raids at the Cochin Shipyard as part of its ongoing investigation into the theft of sensitive electronic components from INS Vikrant, India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier. The raids carried out on August 28, 2024, are a significant development in a case that has raised serious concerns about the security of critical defence installations in the country.
According to sources, the NIA’s operation at Cochin Shipyard, where INS Vikrant was built and commissioned, involved searches of various departments and offices within the facility. The agency is reportedly focusing on identifying individuals or groups that may have had access to the high-security areas where the theft occurred. The stolen components are believed to be vital to the operational capabilities of INS Vikrant, which plays a crucial role in India’s naval defence strategy.
The theft came to light earlier this year when naval authorities discovered that several high-tech components, including electronic circuit boards and other critical systems, were missing from the aircraft carrier. The incident prompted an internal investigation, which was later handed over to the NIA due to the potential national security implications.
INS Vikrant, which was commissioned into the Indian Navy in 2022, is the pride of India’s naval fleet and represents a significant milestone in the country’s quest for self-reliance in defence manufacturing. The aircraft carrier, capable of carrying a variety of fighter jets and helicopters, is a key asset in maintaining maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region.
The NIA’s investigation has so far revealed that the theft might have been carried out with the involvement of insiders at the shipyard. The agency is also exploring the possibility of the stolen components being smuggled out of the country, potentially compromising the carrier’s operational integrity.
In response to the theft, the Indian Navy has implemented additional security measures at all naval installations, particularly those involved in the construction and maintenance of warships. The Navy has also reiterated its commitment to safeguarding the nation’s defence assets and ensuring that such breaches do not occur in the future.
The Cochin Shipyard, one of India’s premier shipbuilding facilities, has been under scrutiny since the theft was reported. The shipyard’s management has assured full cooperation with the NIA’s investigation and has expressed its determination to support all efforts to bring the perpetrators to justice.
As the NIA continues its probe, the incident has sparked widespread concern within the defence community about the security of India’s military infrastructure. The outcome of the investigation will be closely watched, as it is likely to have far-reaching implications for the security protocols at defence establishments across the country.