Honey-trap espionage case: Charges framed against ex-DRDO scientist
What's the story
A special court in Pune has framed charges against Pradeep Kurulkar, a former scientist of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), in a honey-trap espionage case. The trial is scheduled to begin in July. The Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) arrested the 62-year-old on May 3, 2023, and he has been indicted under sections of the Official Secrets Act (OSA).
Investigation details
Kurulkar in touch with Pakistani operative
Kurulkar was arrested after the DRDO's internal standing committee and a forensic report indicated his alleged contact with a female Pakistani Intelligence Operative (PIO) named "Zara Dasgupta." The ATS claimed that Kurulkar was in constant touch with Dasgupta through WhatsApp messages, voice, and video calls. The agency submitted a 1,837-page chargesheet against him on June 30, 2023.
Legal proceedings
Prosecution to file list of documents
Kurulkar's lawyer, Rhishikesh Ganu, said the prosecution is obligated to file an application under CrPC section 294 with a list of documents related to the case. The defense will then file its reply before trial proceedings start. Senior lawyer Ujjwala Pawar is serving as the special public prosecutor in this case.
Evidence collection
Several electronic devices seized
After receiving information about Kurulkar's alleged contact with a Pakistan operative, DRDO officials seized several electronic devices used by him on February 24, 2023. The seized items included cell phones and laptop and desktop hard disks. These were sent for forensic investigation to ascertain the nature of his communications with Dasgupta.
Espionage tactics
ATS retrieved WhatsApp conversations between Kurulkar and 'Zara'
Dasgupta allegedly posed as a UK-based software engineer and lured Kurulkar with obscene messages, voice and video calls. The ATS claimed that she wanted to obtain confidential information from him about various DRDO and defense projects in India. WhatsApp conversations between the two were retrieved by the ATS and are attached to the chargesheet.