DRDO Scientist arrested for sharing secrets with Pakistan.
Pradeep Kurulkar, a DRDO scientist was arrested by Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) recently. He was arrested for allegedly sharing sensitive information with a Pakistani Intelligence Operative through Whatsapp voice and video calls in a suspected case of honey trap based on a complaint filed by DRDO.
The Wire article reported, “The investigation, the ATS official claimed, had begun as early as in February. Kurulkar’s personal laptop and two mobile handsets were seized by the vigilance team and the internal inquiry had found communication established between Kururlkar and a Pakistan-based intelligence official, an ATS officer who is privy to the investigation said.”
Pradeep Kurulkar is a Director of the Research and Development Establishment (Engineers) , a laboratory of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Government of India. He also has received multiple awards including the Award for Excellence in Self-Reliance in 2003 and an Award for Path-Breaking Research/ Outstanding the Technology Development in 2008.
Maharashtra ATS Kalachowki, Mumbai has registered a case against Pradeep Kurulkar under the Official Secrets Act 1923 and other relevant sections. The DRDO had filed a complaint that led to the probe, according to the ATS. Further, in its remand application before the Pune District and Sessions Court stated that the foreign visits of arrested Pradeep Kurulkar are to be investigated to probe alleged links with a Pakistani agent.
Hindustan Times reported, “According to the DRDO website, Kurulkar was a key member of the Akash team and Agni project. He was recipient of the Science Day Award for best publication in 2000, DRDO Agni Award for Excellence in Self-Reliance in 2002, the DRDO Award for path-breaking research/outstanding technology development in 2008 for Akash and the DRDO Award for performance excellence for medium range surface to air missiles (MRSAM) in 2016.”
https://twitter.com/pushprajyadav97/status/1655160821322743808?s=46&t=kIszbQH_arRSG8kPbuGeZw
The photos of Kurulkar are viral on social media including the images captured when he was worshipping the Savarkar statue and when delivering a speech on Savarkar’s memorial day as a guest speaker.
This is the DRDO gentleman, caught sharing India's top defence secrets with Pakistan. Arrested now. Sad.#DRDO #Kurulkar pic.twitter.com/UBIMdD4xjE
— Sandeep Manudhane (@sandeep_PT) May 7, 2023
Links
https://www.drdo.gov.in/labs-establishment/director/research-development-establishment-rdee
https://www.drdo.gov.in/labs-establishment/lab-awards/research-development-establishment-rdee
