Pune: A special court in Pune has extended by 14 days the judicial custody of DRDO scientist Pradeep Kurulkar, arrested on charges of passing classified information to a Pakistani agent. The court on Tuesday sent him to judicial custody till May 29.
The Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) of the Maharashtra Police had on May 3 arrested Mr. Kurulkar, director of a Defense Research Development Organization (DRDO) laboratory in Pune, on charges of leaking classified information.
Kurulkar, a director at one of the Defence Research Development Organisation (DRDO) labs in Pune, was arrested by the Maharashtra police’s Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) on May 3.
14 days judicial custody
According to the news agency PTI, during the hearing, the DRDO scientist requested some medicines as he has a problem with high blood sugar. At the same time, he demanded home food. At the same time, the court allowed him to give medicines but refused his request for home delivery of food. After the hearing, the court sent him to judicial custody for the next 14 days.
In touch with an agent via WhatsApp and video call
Last week, an ATS official had said that the scientist was allegedly communicating with a “Pakistan intelligence operative” through WhatsApp and video calls. Was in touch with an agent He also said that this is a case of honeytrap. Following the scientist’s arrest, the police registered a case under relevant sections of the Official Secrets Act.
The prosecution earlier informed the court that they seized a phone on which a PIO (Person of Indian Origin) agent had messaged the accused using an Indian number.
Kurulkar had allegedly traveled to five to six countries on a diplomatic passport and the prosecution wanted to know whom he met during those trips.
