A 53-year-old defence security official was found dead with gunshot wounds at Kochi naval base, Navy officials said on Monday.

Defence Security Corps (DSC) jawan Naik Sivadasan K was found dead with gunshot wounds late in the night on Sunday. He was on duty as armed sentry at naval base Kochi.

The firing incident, whether accidental, is being ascertained, said a navy official.

He added that the case is being investigated by the Harbour Terminus police station.

The deceased is a native of Thrissur and is survived by his wife and two daughters.

"The family has been informed. An inquiry is being ordered by the Navy into the incident," the official said.