NIA arrests two for theft of computer hardware from Cochin Shipyard

KOCHI: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested two persons for the theft of sensitive computer hardware from Indigenous Aircraft Carrier (IAS) under construction in Cochin Shipyard.

The two were taken into custody from Rajasthan and Bihar on Tuesday night and their arrests were recorded later. They will be brought to Kochi soon. Though the identity of the persons and intention behind the theft is yet to be disclosed, sources claimed that both were working for a contractor engaged in painting work as part of the IAC project.

The theft came to notice on September 13 after IAC's Integrated Platform Management System was run on a trial basis. Six RAMs of three computers were also missing along with three processors and three hard disks. The stolen devices are worth Rs 2.10 lakh.

The FIR was first registered by Kochi City Police was later handed over to NIA, who are also probing espionage attempt behind the theft.