The Kerala Crime Branch will seek assistance from law enforcement agencies in multiple foreign countries as part of the investigation into the 2019 hacking incident involving the communication system of the Non-Resident Keralites Affairs (Norka), a state government agency. The state government has granted approval to obtain legal assistance from the UK, Tunisia, Serbia and Saudi Arabia, Crime Branch officials said on Sunday.
The case pertains to the hacking of Norka's BSNL Single Voice over Internet Protocol (SIP) line at its Kakkanad office in Kochi between September 1 and September 22, 2019. The line was being handled by a contract firm responsible for Norka's global operations.
The incident surfaced after BSNL issued a bill of Rs 83.35 lakh for the operation of the SIP line made during the period. After a complaint was filed by Norka, the Kochi Cyber Police registered a case, which was later transferred to the Crime Branch, news agency PTI reported. The case was registered under Sections 43(a), 66 and 66C of the Information Technology Act.
Officials said the investigation revealed the system was hacked by unknown persons and several international calls were made through the compromised line, based on which the agency decided to seek co-operation from authorities in the identified countries.
As per a recent order by the Kerala Home Department, the Chief is permitted to send a Mutual Legal Assistance (MLA) request to the United Kingdom through the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
Since India does not have Mutual Legal Assistance Treaties with Tunisia, Serbia, or Saudi Arabia, investigators may send Letters Rogatory (LRs) to these countries.
Officials said MLA requests must be routed through the MHA, while LR requests require court approval.
After the court issues the LR, it will be forwarded to the MHA, which then sends it to the competent authority in the foreign nation. Crime Branch officials said the investigation remains pending, as crucial information from abroad is required to proceed.