The recent arrest of a DRDO missile scientist has sent shockwaves through the Indian intelligence community. According to the DRDO website, the accused scientist played a pioneering role in the successful design, development, and delivery of several military engineering systems. However, intelligence agencies had red flagged the individual’s connection to Pakistan Intelligence operatives as early as October 2022.
The scientist, PM Kurulkar, was the Director of Research & Development Establishment in Pune before his arrest by ATS on Thursday. He was an expert in designing and developing missile launchers, engineering equipment, advanced robotics, and mobile unmanned systems for the military. After Kurulkar’s complaint, the DRDO’s vigilance team investigated the matter and he was transferred from his position.
Kurulkar was allegedly honeytrapped by Pakistani intelligence operatives, who posed as a girl engineering student interested in doing research. Through WhatsApp messages and video calls, the alleged girl started blackmailing him with call recordings and he allegedly supplied sensitive information. DRDO approached ATS and he was booked at Kalachowki Police Station in Mumbai. He has been charged under the Official Secrets Act 1923 pertaining to the leak of sensitive information that could pose a threat to national security.
The accused scientist’s case is currently being investigated by Pune ATS, and the Pune Court has given police custody of the scientist till May 9. This is a grave situation that underscores the importance of vigilance in the defense and security sectors. It also highlights the need for better safeguards to prevent such breaches in the future.
