CBI arrests Journalist Vivek Raghuvanshi and former Navy commander Ashish Pathak for suspected espionage

The Central Bureau of Investigation has arrested freelance journalist Vivek Raghuvanshi and retired navy commander Ashish Pathak for their alleged role in exposing sensitive military material. The leaked information includes specifics about Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) initiatives as well as potential armed forces purchases. The arrests were made in accordance with the Official Secrets Act, and the CBI conducted raids as part of the inquiry into the leaks, which have the potential to harm India’s relations with specific countries.

“The journalist was quizzed on Tuesday evening and was taken into custody under the Official Secrets Act and criminal conspiracy, along with Pathak,” an official said. “We’re looking at a bigger conspiracy in this case.”

In December, the CBI launched a probe into the leaks. Raghuvanshi is accused of gathering confidential material, including detailed data on DRDO projects, progress updates, future military purchases, strategic preparedness, diplomatic talks between India and friendly nations, and sharing secret data with foreign intelligence agencies, according to a CBI spokesperson. Raghuvanshi had submitted articles to a news portal based in the US that focuses on defence and space manufacturing.

A second officer, who requested anonymity, highlighted the international implications of the investigation, stating, “There are international ramifications to this probe. We have to find out what all data or information about defence projects has been shared.”