Naval Staffer and Driver Arrested in Visakhapatnam for Sharing Sensitive Info with Pakistan
· India · Indian Express, Hindustan Times
Two persons linked to Visakhapatnam naval base were arrested for allegedly sharing sensitive defence information with Pakistan Intelligence Operatives. Pradeep Mukharjee, a naval base employee, was held in Coimbatore for allegedly sharing an OTP for WhatsApp activation and communicating with PIOs. Annam Sai Varaprasad, a civilian contractual driver, was arrested for allegedly sharing sensitive information for money. The arrests are part of "Operation Firewall–2026", launched by the Counter Intelligence Cell on October 1, involving 12 teams across 10 states and Union Territories. A case was registered under Sections 61(2), 147 and 148 read with Section 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, besides UAPA and Official Secrets Act. Both accused were produced in court and sent to judicial remand till October 14.
Why it matters
The arrests highlight ongoing espionage threats to India's naval and defence establishments, particularly from Pakistan-based operatives. It underscores the need for heightened vigilance in safeguarding sensitive military information.
Read the original report — Indian Express
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