The Maharashtra State Anti Terrorism Squad (ATS) recently arrested a senior official from the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in Pune on suspicion of illicitly communicating with intelligence operatives based in Pakistan, probably as a result of being a victim of a honey trap. The concerned officer has been instrumental in a number of crucial DRDO initiatives, including the creation of numerous missiles. The person is accused of abusing the Official Secrets Act, among other charges.Image: PixabayAn investigation began when the DRDO made a complaint, said a senior officer from the Maharashtra State Anti Terrorism Squad (ATS). The accused individual, according to the officer, was detained on Wednesday and brought before a Pune court on Thursday, where the ATS was given authorisation to hold him in prison. The source also noted that the DRDO had offered the cases preliminary information, which is vital for the investigation.The senior scientist was tricked into conversing with Pakistan-based intelligence agents by images of women on various social media platforms, according to the investigating officer, who noted that the case looks like it involves a honeytrap. From September to October of last year, the suspect is said to have communicated with these operatives via voice and video messages, and it is assumed that he shared highly classified data with them during this time.More details of the accused from the ATS press releaseAccording to an ATS press release, Pradeep Kurulkar, the Director of DRDO (Engineers) in Pune, who is 60 years old, was the one who was arrested. The scientist allegedly disclosed critical material to Pakistan despite being aware of the informations possible security dangers and its classification, according to the release. Additionally, it was stated in the release that Kurulkar had abused his authority by carrying out these deeds.
