Dr. Pradeep Kurulkar, Director of Research and Development at the DRDA, is currently facing scrutiny after an alleged security breach. It is claimed that he violated security protocols by sharing classified information related to a project developed within the DRDO's R&D division with a Pakistani spy named Zara Dasgupta. The unauthorized transfer of this information took place through Kurulkar's mobile phone, where multiple WhatsApp conversations discussing defense projects were discovered, including BrahMos Missile, Agni-6 Missile, Akash Missile, Astra Missile, Drain Project, Rustam Project, Qaptor, Indian Nikunj, Parashar, UCAV, DARDA duty chart, Missile Launcher, Meteor Missile, MBDA, and Rafale jets.
Legal Proceedings and Charge Sheet
The Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has filed a charge sheet against Dr. Kurulkar, accusing him of engaging in these activities. Investigation officer Sujata Tanwade, representing the ATS, has lodged a complaint (1837) against Kurulkar in the court of Special Judge V.R. Kachre. A copy of the complaint was provided to Kurulkar's lawyer, Rishikesh Ganu, during a video conference session with the judge's consent. Kurulkar's judicial custody has been extended until July 21. The court has also requested Kurulkar to submit a written statement for a polygraph test, as requested by the police.
Violation of Government Secrets Act and Supporting Evidence
The information shared by Dr. Kurulkar with Zaradas Gupta has the potential to compromise the security, sovereignty, and integrity of the country if it were to fall into the hands of an enemy nation. Consequently, a complaint has been filed against Kurulkar under Section 3 (1) of the Government Secrets Act, 1923, as this information was transmitted to foreign individuals via WhatsApp. The complaint is supported by statements from 203 witnesses, including staff members and officers from DRDA R&DE in Pune and Delhi. It is further bolstered by various documents, such as warrants approved by the Ministry of Home Affairs in Delhi, original panchnamas, correspondence with the Judicial Scientific Laboratory and R&DE, reports from the investigating officer, station diary entries, electronic gazette analysis reports from DARDA, ARP Kurulkar's technical analysis report, and mobile and social media reports.
Misuse of Position and Honey Trap Operation
During his tenure as a director at DIGI, Dr. Kurulkar allegedly shared confidential information with foreign professionals. He stands accused of misusing his position for the benefit of foreign individuals, disregarding the potential risks to the country's defense, sovereignty, unity, friendly relations with foreign countries, and overall security. Kurulkar was ensnared in a honey trap and came under army surveillance for sharing classified information with foreign individuals. A committee led by DRDA officer SV Gade was appointed to investigate the matter. Kurulkar's electronic devices, including his mobile phone, laptop, pen drive, desktop, and SIM card, were seized and analyzed with the assistance of a cyber expert, confirming his involvement.
Investigation Details and Foreign Involvement
Through the honey trap operation, Dr. Kurulkar engaged in conversations with Zara Dasgupta, referred to as 'Babe,' a Pakistani spy. Kurulkar was persuaded to download apps like cloud chat and Bingchat for sharing video clips. Gupta also sent him a link, instructing him to install an app using her email ID and password. Through these means, information regarding Agni-6 was exchanged. Furthermore, Kurulkar claimed that the 'Astra' missile was more accurate than the 'Metar' missile.
Dr. Kurulkar attempted to cover his tracks by blocking Zara's phone on February 23, 2023, after becoming aware of the scrutiny. It was later discovered that Zara had used the mobile number of an Air Force official in Bangalore to inquire about the blockage. The foreigner in question continued using the mobile number until May 9, 2023, raising further concerns about their involvement.
