Pune (Maharashtra): Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad arrested a Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) scientist from Pune on charges of espionage, officials said on Thursday. According to police, the DRDO scientist in Pune, while carrying out his official duties, was found to have had contact with the operatives of Pakistan's Intelligence Operative (PIO) through WhatsApp messages and voice and video calls.
The arrested scientist is identified as PM Kurulkar and he was serving as Director of Research and Development Establishment (Engineers), a premier Systems Engineering Laboratory of DRDO. Kurulkar was lead designer in the successful design, development and delivery of a number of Military Engineering Systems and Equipment including Missile Launchers for Programme Air Defence (AD), Medium Range Surface to Air Missile (MRSAM), Nirbhay Subsonic Cruise Missile System, Prahar, Quick Reaction-SAM, eXtra-long Range-SAM, Hyperbaric Chamber and Mobile Power Supply and High Pressure Pneumatic Systems.
Kurulkar developed and implemented Electro-mechanical Servo Drive Technology for high performance military applications. He also developed advanced products such as Autonomous Unmanned Ground Vehicles, Intelligent Robotic equipment for Military application.
The ATS described it as a case of honeytrap. The suspect who was holding a senior position in the premier defence research institute was arrested on Wednesday, according to a statement from the ATS. "The scientist, by misusing his position, despite knowing that the officials secrets in his possession if obtained by the enemy country can pose a threat to the security of the country, provided the details to the enemy country," the statement read.
A case under relevant sections of the Official Secrets Act has been registered with Kalachowki unit of the ATS in Mumbai and further probe is on, it added. "Despite holding a responsible position, the DRDO official has misused his post thereby compromising sensitive government secrets, which could pose a threat to India's security if it falls into the hands of the enemy nation," the statement said.
