By Manjeet Negi: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has sacked senior scientist Pradeep Kurulkar from the post of laboratory director for his indulgence in leaking sensitive information to Pakistani operatives. This was done a few weeks before his arrest on Thursday.
Maharashtra Police arrested the outstanding scientist for leaking sensitive information through apps to foreign agents who had honey trapped him.
“The scientist had been removed as the laboratory director after our probe found that he was indulged in leaking sensitive information,” the DRDO officials said. The defence research agency had launched a probe against Kurulkar after input was received from agencies about his activities online, they said.
He had been attached to some office, and we had taken action against him already, the officials added.
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The officials also said that the agency is still carrying out an investigation into the issue and also sensitising its officials against indulging in any such activities on social media.
The Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) said the scientist was found to have had contact with the operatives of Pakistan’s intelligence agency through social media via WhatsApp messages, voice calls, and video calls.
The ATS also said that despite holding a responsible position, the scientist allegedly misused his post by compromising sensitive government secrets, which could pose a threat to India’s security if it falls into the hands of the enemy nation.
Maharashtra ATS Kalachowki, Mumbai filed a case under the Official Secrets Act 1923 and other relevant sections.
The arrested accused was produced before a special judge in Pune and sent to ATS custody until May 9.
