In a significant development, a man has been apprehended in Bharuch district of Gujarat on charges of espionage for a Pakistani intelligence agency, according to police reports unveiled on Thursday.
Identified as Pravin Mishra, the accused stands accused of gathering highly classified intelligence pertaining to the Indian Armed Forces and defence-related research and development firms, as disclosed by the Gujarat Criminal Investigation Department (CID).
The investigation was initiated by the CID subsequent to receiving a tip-off from the Military Intelligence stationed in Udhampur.
Hailing from Ankleshwar in Bharuch district and originally from Muzaffarpur in Bihar, Mishra allegedly maintained communication with a Pakistani intelligence operative via WhatsApp calls and audio chats.
The aim purportedly was to execute a criminal scheme against the nation, bearing potential repercussions on national security, as detailed in a statement released by the CID.
The CID's scrutiny revealed that the intelligence gathered was being transmitted to an agency situated in Pakistan, further cementing suspicions of Mishra's involvement in nefarious activities.
Legal proceedings have been initiated against Mishra, along with the Pakistani operative, who purportedly utilised an Indian WhatsApp number and a fabricated Facebook identity under the name 'Sonal Garg'.
Moreover, the case encompasses charges against individuals within the country who were complicit in the criminal plot, being in communication with the operative via the aforementioned WhatsApp number, the release iterated.
The Military Intelligence, alert to the potential infiltration, had alerted the CID about the possible involvement of current or former personnel from the Armed Forces, the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO), Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), and individuals associated with missile system research and development, in divulging sensitive information, the CID clarified.
The investigation remains ongoing, with authorities diligently pursuing leads to ascertain the extent of the espionage network and prevent any further compromise of national security.
Follow us
