Kochi Metro confidential documents leaked on social media, police launch investigation

Kochi: A case was registered and investigation launched into the alleged theft and circulation of confidential official documents of Kochi Metro Rail Ltd on social media platforms, officials said on Monday.

The case was registered by Kochi Metro Police against unidentified persons on September 12 following a complaint from Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL).

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According to the FIR, certain individuals allegedly gained unauthorised access to computer systems at the KMRL corporate office on the fourth floor of Kaloor JLN Metro Station, with the intention of committing breach of trust and cheating for personal and unlawful financial gain.

"They committed data theft and hacked the email ID used by the KMRL IT Department for printing official documents. By logging in unlawfully to other desktops and mobile phones, they leaked highly confidential documents, personal information of employees and financial details of the company," the FIR said.

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The leaked documents were allegedly uploaded and circulated in a WhatsApp group named "Unified Kochi Metro Rail Reform and Development Forum", compromising company security and employee privacy, it said.

According to police, the incident came to light after KMRL found that some of its confidential documents were being circulated in WhatsApp groups.

Police have started probing the WhatsApp group and will question those operating it, officials said.

Investigators also suspect the involvement of KMRL insiders, whose role will be established during the probe, police said.

The WhatsApp group was created to discuss Kochi Metro projects, their operations, and development.

The case was registered under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Information Technology Act.

Police will seek the assistance of the Cyber Police to investigate the WhatsApp group and trace those responsible, officials said.