Pakistan Spy Link: Pune ATS Files Draft Charges Against Suspended DRDO Scientist Pradeep Kurulkar
Pune, 15th February 2025: The Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), Pune, has submitted draft charges before a special court against suspended DRDO scientist Pradeep Kurulkar (60) in connection with an alleged espionage case. The state prosecution filed the draft charges on Friday, urging the court to initiate trial proceedings.
Special Public Prosecutor Ujjwala Pawar informed the court that the charges fall under the Official Secrets Act, 1923, specifically:
Section 3(1)(c): Penalties for spying
Section 4: Communication with foreign agents
Section 5: Wrongful communication of classified information
Pawar requested the court to approve the charges and commence the trial. However, Special Judge V.R. Kachare deferred the hearing on charge framing to February 28.
Kurulkar, who previously headed a Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) laboratory in Pune, was arrested by the Maharashtra ATS on May 3, 2023, for allegedly leaking sensitive security information to a suspected Pakistani intelligence agent. He is currently lodged in Yerawada Central Prison under judicial custody.
Meanwhile, his bail plea is still pending before the Bombay High Court, while his petition seeking discharge from the case remains under review by the special court.
According to the Maharashtra ATS, Kurulkar had been in contact with the Pakistani operative through WhatsApp voice messages and video calls. His arrest followed a complaint filed by an official from DRDO’s vigilance and security office in Delhi.
“The accused allegedly shared a photograph of a missile and its location, along with certain personal pictures, which were later used to blackmail him,” a senior ATS official stated.
A forensic investigation revealed that Kurulkar had been communicating with the operative in what officials suspect was a honeytrap operation.
“During an internal probe, a DRDO inquiry officer seized Kurulkar’s laptop and two mobile phones. The forensic analysis confirmed that classified information had been shared with the Pakistani intelligence operative,” Special Public Prosecutor Vijay Fargade said.
