By Diwakar Sharma, Faizan Khan, Samiullah Khan, Shirish Vaktania and Apoorva Agashe

Well-known DRDO scientist Pradeep Kurulkar made headlines in 2023 when Maharashtra ATS arrested him from Pune for allegedly sharing confidential information with a Pakistani Intelligence Operative (PIO). Kurulkar shared sensitive details after falling in love with an unknown woman solely through WhatsApp conversations. Kurulkar disclosed confidential DRDO project details, including material composition, a defence event presentation in Gujarat, information on the Aakash Launcher, procurement details from the National Aerospace Laboratories, the VTOL Anonymous Aerial Vehicle system, and more. Charges also include sharing details about Agni and Brahmos missiles. The 1,800-page charge sheet under the Official Secrets Act led to the rejection of his bail application by the Pune court. The case, marked by political outrage due to Kurulkar’s close association with RSS, is likely to stay in focus next year. Maharashtra ATS is expected to file a supplementary charge sheet with additional evidence, and the trial is set to commence.