Behind Closed Doors: Government Seeks Secrecy In Kurulkar’s Case Hearing Before Special Court In Pune
Pune, 29th August 2023: Senior Scientist of DRDO Dr. Pradeep Kurulkar’s revelation of classified information regarding missiles like ‘Brahmos’ and ‘Agni’ remains inaccessible to the public domain due to its highly sensitive nature. The disclosure of this information during the court proceedings could potentially jeopardize the country’s sovereignty and interests. Consequently, the prosecution side filed an application in court on Tuesday (29th August) requesting a closed-door hearing to prevent any compromising exposure.
The plea for an in-camera hearing was presented before Special Judge S. V. Kachare by public prosecutor Vijay Fargade. Dr. Kurulkar, who has sought bail through Adv Rishikesh Ganu following the filing of the charge sheet, was virtually present during the defense’s arguments on Tuesday. Simultaneously, an application for an in-camera hearing was submitted.
“The accused-applicant stands accused of sharing classified data with a Pakistani spy and subsequently attempting to delete the information from his mobile device. Due to the applicant’s high-ranking position, there is concern over potential influence exerted on other accomplices”, Adv. Fargade contested Dr. Kurulkar’s bail application.
Adv. Ganu presented arguments in favor of the bail application. The investigation into this case commenced on February 24, with the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) confiscating the applicant’s mobile phone, laptop, and hard disk. Subsequently, these seized items were analyzed by the Forensic Laboratory and ATS.
The resulting analysis and forensic reports have been procured. ATS officially filed a case against the applicant at the close of May. However, prior to that, ATS had subjected Dr. Kurulkar to interrogation over a four-day period in February.
“Dr. Kurulkar actively cooperated with the inquiry, although the findings of the investigation have not yet been presented in court.” This aspect was highlighted by Adv. Ganu. The bail application is scheduled for a hearing on September 4.
The charges against Dr. Kurulkar are rooted in electronic information. However, no confidential data associated with ‘Brahmos’ or ‘Agni’ missiles was located on the devices seized from him. The investigation into this alleged offence has concluded, and the forensic report guarantees the data’s immutability. Ganu argued that the right to bail is intrinsic to the accused.
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