Kochi, March 7, 2026 — Harbour police in Kochi have arrested a Republic TV reporter, a cameraman, and a boat driver for allegedly trespassing into a restricted high-security zone at Cochin Port and attempting to film an Iranian naval ship docked there on diplomatic and humanitarian grounds.
The arrested individuals have been identified as Republic TV reporter Shankar, cameraman Mani, and boat driver Vijayakumar. According to police, the trio entered the Southern Coil Berth (SCB) — a high-security area on Willingdon Island — by speedboat around 7:50 am on Saturday. They allegedly took photographs and videos of the Iranian ship IRIS Lavan and attempted to circulate the footage, which authorities say could pose a threat to national and state security.
The IRIS Lavan, an Iranian naval vessel with 183 crew members on board, docked at Kochi on March 4 following technical faults. Iran had requested permission on February 28, which the Indian government granted on March 1 as a humanitarian and diplomatic measure. The crew has been provided accommodation at the naval base in Kochi. The ship had earlier participated in naval exercises in Visakhapatnam.
This development comes amid heightened regional tensions, including the recent sinking of another Iranian warship, IRIS Dena, in the Indian Ocean. Officials have described India’s decision to allow the IRIS Lavan to anchor as a “life-saving” diplomatic step unrelated to the ongoing conflict.
The Harbour Crime Branch registered a case against the three under Section 329(3) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (criminal trespass) and relevant provisions of the Official Secrets Act. The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) initially detained the group while they were in the boat. Police have not released further details citing the ongoing investigation.
No statements have been issued by the arrested media persons or Republic TV so far. The incident has raised concerns over unauthorised access to sensitive port areas during a period of international maritime sensitivities.
The probe is continuing, and authorities have urged caution regarding any attempts to film or access restricted naval or port zones without prior permission.
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