'Honey-Trapped' DRDO Scientist Arrested For 'Leaking' Classified Information To Pakistani Agent

A 60-year-old scientist with the DRDO has been arrested under the Official Secrets Act after he allegedly shared classified information with a Pakistani agent who honey-trapped him.

A scientist employed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in Mumbai has been arrested by the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) for allegedly sharing classified information with a Pakistani agent. The scientist has been accused of engaging with an agent of a 'Pakistan Intelligence Operative' via WhatsApp and video calls, and falling victim to a honeytrap, reported PTI.

The accused, 60-year-old Pradeep Kurulkar, is a Director of the Research & Development Establishment (Engineers), Pune, reported The Indian Express. The R&DE(E) is an important facility of the DRDO and Kurulkar was involved in several important projects includin the development of missiles. The investigation against Kurulkar was started based on a complaint by the DRDO. Kurulkar is described as an "outstanding scientist" on the DRDO website. He is the project leader and systems manager for Akash Ground Systems. "He has been a key member of Akash team and has played a major role in the design, development and production of Akash Launchers and mission-critical Ground Systems," the DRDO website states. Kurulkar was due to retire in November.

Kurulkar, was taken into custody on Wednesday. The ATS press release stated: "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, provided the details to the enemy country." A case has been filed against the accused under the relevant sections of the Official Secrets Act by the Kalachowki unit of the ATS in Mumbai. Further investigation is on.

The Indian Express quoted an ATS officer as saying, “This primarily seems to be a case of honeytrap, in which the senior scientist has come into contact with Pakistan-based intelligence operatives." The officer said Kurulkar was lured using photos of women on social media platforms. "He had been in contact with the Pakistani operatives using voice messages and video calls from September-October last year and is suspected to have shared sensitive information with them,” the officer further stated.