‘Does not condone any digression’: Navy ensures fair probe into allegations against individuals at INS Zamorin in Ezhimala

Ezhimala: The Southern Naval Command has launched an internal investigation following media reports regarding allegations against certain individuals at INS Zamorin in Ezhimala. The Indian Navy emphasised that it does not condone any deviation from established procedures and remains committed to upholding the highest standards of probity, transparency, and accountability. Officials stated that appropriate measures will be taken to ensure the matter is addressed thoroughly, fairly, and in accordance with due process, and urged all stakeholders to allow the investigative process to take its course.

The action comes after the arrest of Commodore Sreekumar K Pillai, Commanding Officer of INS Zamorin, by naval intelligence officials on charges of accepting bribes from contractors overseeing construction work. The arrest followed extended surveillance and coincided with the visit of Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi for the Indian Navy Quiz finals.

Commodore Pillai assumed command of INS Zamorin on 10 November 2023. A graduate of the 54th Naval Academy course, he has also trained at the Defence Services Staff College in Wellington and the Army War College in Mhow. An expert in gunnery and missile warfare, he has held key positions across Naval Headquarters, Southern Naval Command, and Andaman and Nicobar Command, and has commanded ships including INS Sarayu and INS Kondul.