Pune: After DRDO Scientist Kurulkar, Now IAF Officer Nikhil Shende Found Providing Defence Secrets To Pakistan
Pune, 15th May 2023: DRDO lab director Dr Pradeep Kurulkar (59), a resident of Kothrud, has been subjected to a honey trap attempt orchestrated by Pakistani intelligence agencies, revealed the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) in a special court on Monday.
The ATS sought an extension of Kurulkar’s custody for one day to conduct further technical investigations. Special Judge PP Jadhav granted the request, ordering Kurulkar to remain in ATS custody until Tuesday (May 16).
In addition to Kurulkar, an Indian Air Force (IAF) corporal named Nikhil Shende has also been targeted in a similar honey trap by Pakistani intelligence. Shende, currently stationed in Bangalore, is undergoing interrogation by Air Force officials. He has also provided his statement to the ATS, which has been recorded before the First Class Magistrate at the Shivajinagar Court, informed ATS Senior Police Inspector Sujata Tanwade to the special court.
ATS informed the court that Pakistani intelligence agencies attempted to ensnare Air Force officer Nikhil Shende in a honey trap. Shende is being interrogated by senior Air Force officers in Bangalore, and his statement has been recorded in court. However, he is not implicated as an accused in the case. ATS officials informed the court that technical investigations revealed that the messages sent to Kurulkar and Shende originated from Pakistani IP addresses.
Investigators have discovered several emails sent to Kurulkar from Pakistan, raising suspicions that he may have shared sensitive information that could compromise national security. The laptop and mobile phone seized from him have undergone technical analysis, and a report has been received. The ATS seeks to extract further information from Kurulkar’s mobile phone while he is in custody. Public prosecutor Adv. Chandrakiran Salvi presented this request to the court.
Advocate Hrishikesh Ganu, representing Kurulkar, presented arguments on his behalf. Taking into consideration the arguments made by the government, Special Judge Jadhav granted the extension of Kurulkar’s custody until Tuesday (May 16).
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