Pune: Trial Begins Against DRDO Scientist Pradeep Kurulkar in Espionage Case
Pune, 13th July 2026: The trial in the alleged espionage case against Dr. Pradeep Kurulkar, former Director and senior scientist at the Defence Research and Development Organisation’s (DRDO) Research and Development Establishment (Engineers) [R&DE(E)] in Pune, commenced on Monday before a sessions court in Pune.
On the first day of the proceedings, the court completed the examination-in-chief and cross-examination of the prosecution’s first panch witness.
The case is being heard before Sessions Judge P. Y. Ladekar.
Dr. Kurulkar has been accused of allegedly sharing sensitive information related to national security with a woman identified as Zara Dasgupta, who investigators allege was operating on behalf of Pakistani intelligence. The prosecution has alleged that the scientist fell victim to a “honey trap” and transmitted confidential information concerning defence projects.
The case was initially registered at Kalachowki Police Station in Mumbai under provisions of the Official Secrets Act and other applicable laws. Following the registration of the offence, the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) arrested Dr. Kurulkar on May 4, 2023.
According to the prosecution, the ATS filed a nearly 2,000-page chargesheet before the special court on June 30, 2023. The chargesheet allegedly includes chat conversations between Dr. Kurulkar and the woman, which investigators claim indicate the sharing of sensitive information.
The process of framing charges against the accused was completed on June 18, 2026, paving the way for the commencement of the trial.
During Monday’s hearing, the prosecution examined its first panch witness in connection with the arrest of Dr. Kurulkar and the search and seizure proceedings conducted at his office. The witness’s examination-in-chief was followed by cross-examination by the defence.
Advocate Hrishikesh Ganu represented the accused and conducted the cross-examination, assisted by Advocate Raghav Puranik.
The prosecution is being represented by Special Public Prosecutor Advocate Ujjwala Pawar.
The court has scheduled the next hearing in the case for Tuesday, July 14.
The allegations against Dr. Kurulkar are yet to be proven in court, and the trial will determine the merits of the prosecution’s case based on the evidence presented.
