Pune, 8th July 2023: The Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) has filed a chargesheet against former DRDO scientist Pradeep Kurulkar, making serious allegations of sharing sensitive information with a Pakistan Intelligence Operative. The chargesheet claims that Kurulkar shared crucial details related to defence technologies with the operative.
The information reportedly includes details about defence technologies such as missile launchers Brahmos and Agni 6, Surface-to-Air Missiles, Anti-Satellite Missiles, Rustom DRDO (an unmanned aerial vehicle), Mentor Missile, Rafael, AK system, Astra missile, and defence drones.
The ATS chargesheet further alleges that Kurulkar downloaded a software containing malware, raising concerns about the possibility of the Pakistan Intelligence Operative accessing sensitive information from his mobile phone. Reports suggest that highly sensitive information related to the testing and design of defence projects was found on Kurulkar’s phone. However, further investigation is required to determine if this information has been shared with the Pakistan agent.
Last week, the ATS team filed a chargesheet consisting of approximately 1,800 pages in this espionage case. Pradeep Kurulkar, a senior scientist at DRDO, was arrested by the ATS on charges of espionage in Pune. It is alleged that he was honey-trapped by a person using the alias Zara Das Gupta, who is believed to be a Pakistan Intelligence Operative.
The charges levelled against Kurulkar are of a serious nature, as they involve compromising sensitive defence information. The case highlights the importance of maintaining strict security protocols and ensuring the protection of classified information. The ATS’s swift action in apprehending Kurulkar and filing a chargesheet demonstrates the commitment to safeguarding national security.
The legal proceedings will now continue, and it is imperative that a thorough investigation takes place to ascertain the extent of the alleged information sharing and any potential repercussions. The matter serves as a reminder of the constant vigilance required to protect national defence interests and the need for stringent measures to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive information.
