Maharashtra ATS Arrests DRDO Scientist For Providing Secret Info To Pakistan

GUWAHATI: The Maharashtra State Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) arrested a senior director of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) on Thursday for allegedly passing secret information to a Pakistani agent.

Scientist Pradeep Kurulkar (60), director of DRDO (Engineers) in Pune, was arrested after he leaked key information after getting involved in a suspected honeytrap case, according to an ATS release.

"Despite knowing that the official secrets in his possession, if obtained by the enemy country, can pose a threat to the security of the country," according to an ATS release, "the scientist, by misusing his position, provided the sensitive details illegally to the enemy country."

According to an ATS Pune officer, the senior scientist at the renowned defence research institute was allegedly in contact with an agent of a "Pakistan Intelligence Operative" via voice and video chats via a messaging app.

According to sources, the accused was enticed by images of a woman on social media platforms and afterwards met with Pakistani intelligence officials last year.

Despite efforts, the Ministry of Defense did not respond to the queries.

Kurulkar joined DRDO in 1988 at Combat Vehicles Research & Development Establishment (CVRDE), Avadi (Chennai), after earning a Bachelor of Engineering (BE) in electrical engineering from the College of Engineering, Pune in 1985, according to his DRDO profile.

“It was a honeytrap”, a source added.

The ATS station in Kalachowki, Mumbai, has filed a case under Section 1923 of the Official Secrets Act 1923, as well as other pertinent sections. According to officials, the case is being investigated further by an officer of the Anti-Terrorism Squad, Pune Unit, who is a Senior Police Inspector by rank.

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