Pune: Court Allows Cataract Surgery for DRDO Scientist Pradip Kurulkar at Aundh Government Hospital
Pune, 12th November 2025: The Special MCOCA Court in Pune has directed that DRDO scientist Pradip Moreshwar Kurulkar, accused in an espionage case, be referred to the Aundh Government Hospital for cataract surgery on both eyes, as advised by his treating doctors.
Kurulkar, currently lodged in Yerwada Central Jail, had filed an application seeking permission to undergo cataract surgery at a private super-specialty hospital offering laser treatment, stating that he was willing to bear all expenses. The plea cited advice from a Sassoon General Hospital doctor, who reportedly told him that inmates are not allowed to undergo laser-based surgeries at that facility.
During the hearing, Kurulkar appeared via video conference along with his advocate. The Special Public Prosecutor (SPP) opposed the request, arguing that Sassoon Hospital is adequately equipped with modern surgical technology and qualified specialists capable of performing such procedures.
However, after both sides agreed that the accused should receive the best possible medical care, the court sought clarification from the Sassoon Hospital authorities about any restrictions on inmates receiving laser treatment. The prison medical officer, connected via video conference, informed the court that laser cataract surgeries are available at the Aundh Government Hospital.
Accepting this submission, Judge S.R. Salunkhe, in charge of the Special MCOCA Court (for the court presided over by V.R. Kachare), passed an order directing that Kurulkar be referred to Aundh Government Hospital for surgery.
A letter will be issued to the jail authorities instructing them to escort Kurulkar to the hospital for treatment and ensure compliance with the court’s order.
Kurulkar, a senior scientist formerly associated with DRDO’s Research & Development Establishment (Engineers) in Pune, was arrested by the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) in May 2023 under the Official Secrets Act, accused of sharing sensitive information with a foreign agent. He remains in judicial custody while the trial is ongoing.
