The Congress on Wednesday alleged that Defence Research Development Organisation (DRDO) scientist Pradeep Kurulkar, arrested by the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) on charges of providing confidential information to a Pakistani agent, was an "active RSS volunteer".
The remarks by the congress party comes a day after Kurulkar's police custody was extended by a special court in Pune till May 15. The court observed that the charges against him were serious and custodial interrogation of the accused for a further period is unavoidable for a thorough probe.
"Pradeep Kurulkar, an active RSS volunteer leader and DRDO's Director of R&D (Engineering), has been arrested by the Maharashtra Anti Terrorism Squad (ATS) for spying on behalf of Pakistan.The case.... exposes the lie and charade of the RSS being a so-called nationalistic organisation," said Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera while addressing a press conference at the AICC headquarters in New Delhi Today, reported PTI.
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He also said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah should clarify the relation between Kurulkar and RSS as the matter is related to national security.
"Kurulkar's association with the RSS goes back generations, as he revealed in an interview with a YouTube channel last year. His grandfather was an RSS volunteer who worked as a mathematician, and his father carried on his work for the Sangh," Khera claimed.
Kurulkar who came in contact with a female Pakistani Intelligence Operative in September 2022, was in touch with her for six months through audio and video messages over Whatsapp, before blocking her, reported PTI.
Maharashtra ATS claims the scientist has allegedly shared sensitive security and defence related information with her and says it is a case of honey trap. Kurulkar was arrested by the ATS on May 3.