Ezhimala Naval Commanding Officer arrested for taking bribes from contractors

Kannur: The Commanding Officer of INS Zamorin, Commodore Sreekumar K Pillai, part of the Ezhimala Naval Academy, has been arrested by naval intelligence officials in connection with a bribery case. The arrest follows allegations that he received money from contractors overseeing construction work.

The action came after long-term surveillance. He is expected to face proceedings, including trial by a military court. The arrest coincided with the visit of Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi to Ezhimala as part of the Indian Navy Quiz (Think-25) finals, during which the senior officer was taken into custody.

Commodore Sreekumar K Pillai took charge as the Commanding Officer of INS Zamorin on November 10, 2023. A graduate of the 54th Naval Academy course, he has also studied at the Defence Services Staff College in Wellington and the Army War College, Mhow. An expert in gunnery and missile warfare, he has held various positions at the Naval Headquarters, Southern Naval Command, Andaman and Nicobar Command and the Indian Naval Safety Team.

He has also commanded Indian naval ships, including INS Sarayu and INS Kondul. Born in Kerala and raised in Ooty, he has overseen construction activities, personnel welfare and daily operational duties as part of his role at the naval academy.