Kerala Man Posing as PMO Official Arrested for Attempted INS Vikrant Espionage Amid Operation Sindoor
Kochi Naval Base Foils Suspicious Security Breach
Fake PMO Official – In a shocking security lapse, a man from Kerala was apprehended after attempting to access classified information regarding INS Vikrant, India’s indigenously built aircraft carrier, while posing as an official from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO). The suspect, identified as Mujeeb Rahman, was arrested on May 12, 2025, following an intelligence-led operation.
Rahman allegedly called the Kochi Naval Base on May 9 and identified himself as “Raghavan from the PMO,” which is when the incident started. He was looking for confidential information regarding the deployment of INS Vikrant, specifically regarding its involvement in India’s ongoing strategic maritime mission, Operation Sindoor. However, naval officers immediately sensed discrepancies in his approach and reported the matter to security agencies.
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How The Fake PMO Official Was Tracked and Arrested
Following a suspicious inquiry, the call was traced back to Kozhikode by a joint investigation between the Kerala Police and central intelligence services. By the time officers reached Mujeeb Rahman’s location, he had switched off his phone to evade detection, but investigators managed to locate him using technical surveillance tools.
Mujeeb Rahman was swiftly detained, and a detailed forensic investigation of his mobile phone, email, and social media accounts is now underway to determine if he acted alone or was part of an organized espionage network.
Operation Sindoor: Why INS Vikrant Matters in India’s Naval Strategy
The attempted breach targeting INS Vikrant has raised concerns regarding India’s maritime security framework. Given India’s increasing tensions with regional adversaries, Operation Sindoor has positioned INS Vikrant as a critical asset for naval dominance.
With its September 2022 commissioning, INS Vikrant is a symbol of India’s independence in defense production. It functions as a floating airbase with a displacement of 45,000 tons, enabling India to extend its naval might throughout the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). Experts believe that recent military advancements, including new aircraft carrier operations, have made INS Vikrant a focal point for potential intelligence threats.
Security Concerns: Cyber Threats and Espionage Risks
Rahman’s impersonation attempt has reignited discussions on the growing threats of espionage via social engineering tactics. With adversaries increasingly relying on cyber operations and insider threats, security agencies have tightened intelligence screening to prevent further breaches.
Former intelligence officers suggest that such incidents could be part of a larger effort to gather data on India’s defense preparedness, especially as rival nations ramp up aggressive surveillance.
Legal Action: Invoking the Official Secrets Act
Given the seriousness of the attempted espionage, Rahman has been charged under the Official Secrets Act, which penalizes unauthorized access to classified defense information. If found guilty, he could face severe legal consequences, including extended imprisonment.
Authorities are also investigating whether Rahman had any foreign connections or handlers, which would elevate the case to an international intelligence threat.
Public and Political Reaction
The incident has sparked widespread concern, with defense analysts calling for stronger vetting mechanisms to prevent impersonation-based security breaches. Many experts believe that the government must refine its cybersecurity and intelligence protocols to safeguard India’s classified military infrastructure.
Political leaders have echoed similar sentiments, urging heightened security measures around critical defense installations.
How India Can Strengthen Its National Security Against Espionage
- Enhanced Vetting of Sensitive Inquiries: Strengthening background checks for those seeking classified information.
- Advanced Cybersecurity Infrastructure: Implementing AI-driven security protocols to detect fraudulent activity.
- Tighter Surveillance Networks: Increasing inter-agency coordination between defense and intelligence bodies.
- Public Awareness Programs: Educating officials on social engineering tactics used for espionage.
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