Ernakulam (Kerala): Harbor police of the district on Saturday arrested three people including a reporter of Republic TV. These people are accused of violating security rules and trying to make a video of the Iranian Navy’s warship IRIS Lavan parked in Kochi. Those arrested are Republic TV’s Thiruvananthapuram reporter Shankar, cameraman Mani and driver Vijayakumar. It is alleged that they reached the high-security zone near the ship by boat early in the morning and tried to make a video. CISF officials stopped him and took him into custody. Later handed over to Harbor Police Station.
Police issued security warning
Following the incident, Kochi DCP Ashwathy GG issued a strict security warning, stating that it is strictly prohibited to take photographs or make videos of foreign ships or other security-sensitive vessels moored off the coast of Kerala. He also said that if anyone has such visuals, they should delete them immediately. He said that since this matter is related to national security, strict action will be taken against those who break security rules.
Iranian warship in Kochi
Iranian Navy’s warship IRIS Lavan was parked off the Kochi coast after facing technical problems. According to official defense sources, the move came shortly after another Iranian ship, IRIS Dena, was reportedly attacked by the US Navy south of Sri Lanka. On February 28, the Iranian government approached India with an urgent request for permission to dock in Kochi to fix technical problems with the ship. Keeping in mind maritime security and diplomatic needs, India approved the request on March 1. Subsequently, IRIS Lavan reached Kochi Port safely on 4 March.
183 crew members were evacuated safely
A total of 183 crew members on board the ship have been evacuated safely and are currently kept at the Indian Navy’s Special Monitoring Facility in Kochi and other places. Due to security reasons, crew members are not currently allowed to leave the Navy facility. Necessary medical assistance and accommodation for the crew is being provided under the supervision of the Indian Navy. The incident involving IRIS Dena near the coast of Sri Lanka had created serious concern in the area. Because IRIS Lavan was also working in the same area, India is keeping a close watch on this matter. Investigations are currently underway to determine the severity of the technical problems aboard the ship. Reports suggest that further decisions regarding repairs to the ship and the return of the crew will be taken in the coming days. The Defense Ministry is constantly monitoring the situation and details of the crew. India’s help to the Iranian ship is being considered as part of efforts to strengthen maritime security cooperation with neighboring countries.
