Scientist planned to show classified BrahMos report to Pakistani intelligence operative, finds ATS probe
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New Delhi: In the DRDO espionage case, the scientist was planning to show details of BrahMos to a Pakistani agent.
Maharashtra's Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has discovered details of scientist Pradeep Kurulkar's communication with a female Pakistani Intelligence Operative (PIO) named "Zara Dasgupta."
The 59-year-old head of DRDO's Research and Development Establishment (Engineers) was arrested on May 3 under the Official Secrets Act for allegedly sharing "highly classified" information on the BrahMos missile project with the PIO, who is now a wanted accused in the case.
The investigation revealed that Zara contacted Kurulkar on WhatsApp, posing as a software engineer based in the UK. Through luring him with obscene messages, voice, and video calls, Kurulkar engaged in multiple conversations with her between June 10, 2022, and February 24, 2023.
The WhatsApp chats retrieved during the investigation show discussions about various DRDO and defence projects, including the BrahMos missile project, Agni-6, UAVs, and more.
In one exchange on October 28, 2022, Zara asked about BrahMos, and Kurulkar responded, "I have initial design report of some 186 A4 size on all BrahMos versions." He further told her that the report was highly classified and could not be sent over WhatsApp or email, but he would show it to her when they meet in person.
The chargesheet, comprising six volumes and 1,837 pages, submitted before a special court in Pune, contains details of their WhatsApp exchanges and alleges that Kurulkar misused his position to share confidential information with Zara.
The investigation also includes chats on "Agni 6, Rustom (a medium-altitude long-endurance unmanned air vehicle), Surface to Air Missiles (SAM), Unmanned Combat Air Vehicles (UCAV), Drone projects," and other defence-related subjects. The ATS has also recorded statements of two DRDO scientists whose names were shared by Kurulkar with Zara during their conversations.
The chargesheet mentions that Kurulkar added Zara to a "WhatsApp broadcast group" named "Happy Morning," where he allegedly shared sensitive information. In chats about "Quadcopter," Kurulkar discussed the project's testing phase, while in discussions about "Agni 6 missing launcher," he claimed it was his design and a "great success."
The ATS alleged that Kurulkar shared links and information with Zara about the installation of air force system missiles across India's borders. The probe revealed that the DRDO had received information about Kurulkar's illegal contact with a Pakistan-based operative, leading to the seizure of his electronic devices for forensic investigation.