Pune: A Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) scientist, who was working in one of the facilities of DRDO in Pune, has been arrested by the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) for providing confidential information to the Pakistani intelligence agency, said officials today. The officials said that it was a case of honeytrap.
According to the ATS, the DRDO scientist was found to have had contact with an agent of a "Pakistan Intelligence Operative" through WhatsApp and video calls. The accused have been identified as PM Kurulkar, who is the Director of the Research & Development Establishment (Engineers), a key facility of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in Pune
‘Case of honeytrap’
According to the officials, this primarily seems to be a case of honeytrap. Kurulkar fell prey to a honeytrap when he was six months away from retirement. For the past six months, it has been learned that he was in touch with a woman associated with Pakistan's intelligence agency. He was in contact with the Pakistan-based operatives through voice messages and video calls and suspected to have shared some sensitive information with the operatives.
The accused was arrested on Wednesday. "The scientist, by misusing his position, despite knowing that the officials secrets in his possession if obtained by the enemy country can pose a threat to the security of the country, provided the details to the enemy country," an ATS release said.
The Anti-Terrorism Squad of Maharashtra Police, Kalachowki, Mumbai, has filed a case under Section 1923 of the Official Secrets Act 1923 and other relevant sections. Further probe is being done by investigating officer.
Who is PM Kurulkar
According to DRDO website, Kurulkar is an outstanding Scientist who has taken over as Director of Research & Development Establishment (Engineers) [R&DE(E)], a premier Systems Engineering Laboratory of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
As Project Leader and System Manager for Akash Ground Systems, he has been a key member of Akash team and has played a major role in the design, development and production of Akash Launchers and mission-critical Ground Systems. His efforts have resulted in the release of production orders to the tune of 1000 crores for the Akash Launchers and other Ground Systems. As a Project Director SF, Agni Project, he steared design and development of Road & Rail versions of Launchers & Ground systems. He has played key role in it’s development with users and these efforts have resulted in release of production to orders to the tune of 250 crores for Agni project.
Kurulkar, as a Team Leader and Lead Designer, has played a major and pioneering role in the successful design, development and delivery of a number of Military Engineering Systems and Equipments including Missile Launchers for Programme AD, MRSAM, Nirbhay Subsonic Cruise Missile System, Prahar, QRSAM, XRSAM, Hyperbaric Chamber and Mobile Power Supply and High-Pressure Pneumatic Systems. On March 27, 2019 DRDO successfully conducted Mission Shakti, an anti-satellite missile test. The critical subsystem of this mission was the design and development of a ballistic missile Launcher from concept to a deployable prototype. The Launcher was developed in a very short time of three months under the able guidance and leadership of Kurulkar, whose innovative execution and management techniques not only made the system ready in advance but also brought laurels to R & DE (Engrs), Pune.
He has also pioneered the successful development and implementation of Electro-mechanical Servo Drive Technology for high-performance military applications. Beside these, he has also successfully developed advanced products such as Autonomous Unmanned Ground Vehicles, Intelligent Robotic equipment for Military application.
The accused scientist has also launched a series of new technological initiatives in the emerging technology areas like – High Performance High Power Servo Drive Technology, Platform Stabilization Technology, AFPM based Alternator Technology, VSCF based Power Source Technology, Electric Propulsion Technology, Missile Canister Technology, Autonomous Navigation Technology for small UGVs, Intelligent Robotic Manipulators for hazardous military applications and Linear Electric Motor Technology.
(Reported: Swara Parkhi)
Also Read: Odisha: DRDO official shares secret information with Pakistani woman spy, arrested
