Pune: The Maharashtra State Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has filed a charge sheet against Dr. Pradeep Kurulkar, the Senior Scientist and Director of the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO). The charge sheet alleges that Dr. Kurulkar provided confidential information to Pakistani intelligence agencies. To further their investigation, the ATS has requested a special court to conduct a voice level test of the accused.
However, Dr. Kurulkar has refused to comply with the voice level test, leading to a complex legal situation. Addressing this matter, ATS Director General of Police, Sadanand Date, stated that the accused’s permission is not required for this test, and the court’s verdict will determine the next course of action.
The charge sheet presented before the Special Court has implicated Dr. Kurulkar in an alleged honey trap orchestrated by a woman named Zara Dasgupta. It is believed that Zara Dasgupta lured the senior scientist into revealing sensitive information about the Indian Army, thereby compromising national security.
The investigation revealed that Dr. Kurulkar had initially blocked Zara Dasgupta’s mobile number. However, the situation took a perplexing turn when a Pakistani intelligence operative, posing as Zara Dasgupta, established contact with Dr. Kurulkar through a junior air force officer in Bangalore, Nikhil Shende.
Nikhil Shende’s statement has been recorded, and he has been made a crucial witness in the case. This development has further deepened the complexity of the espionage allegations against the DRDO Director.
In addition to the espionage charges, the case has taken a distressing turn with a woman accusing Dr. Kurulkar of sexual harassment. Notably, the concerned woman did not officially file a complaint, leading to a separate investigation by the ATS.
While the ATS diligently pursues the truth behind these grave accusations, it has sent shockwaves through the scientific and security communities. The involvement of a high-ranking DRDO official in alleged espionage raises concerns about safeguarding sensitive information and calls for stricter security protocols within such organizations.
As the case proceeds, the nation watches with bated breath to see how justice unfolds. It is imperative to maintain transparency and uphold the principles of law while dealing with such sensitive matters that directly impact national security.
