Home / Crime and Justice / Bombay HC Rejects Bail for DRDO Scientist in Pak Spy Case
Bombay HC Rejects Bail for DRDO Scientist in Pak Spy Case
16 Apr
Summary
- Court denied bail to ex-DRDO scientist Pradeep Kurulkar arrested in 2023.
- Scientist allegedly shared sensitive DRDO information with a Pakistani intelligence officer.
- The court cited concerns about witness influence and potential absconding.
The Bombay High Court has denied bail to former DRDO scientist Pradeep Kurulkar, who was arrested by the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad in May 2023. Kurulkar, formerly head of DRDO's Research and Development Establishment (Engineers), had approached the high court after a special court rejected his plea in December 2023.
A single-judge bench observed that Kurulkar was in an important post and allegedly provided information to a Pakistani Intelligence Officer (PIO). The court expressed concerns that if released, he might influence subordinate officers who are witnesses or abscond, given his continued contact with the PIO.
Justice Shivkumar G Dige noted that Kurulkar had allegedly shared sensitive information, including details about the Aero India Show and the Rustom 2 drone test, despite DRDO's work being conducted under secrecy. Witness statements indicated he provided information about a restricted military program for tanks.
The ATS arrested Kurulkar under the Official Secrets Act for alleged spying and wrongful communication with a PIO, identified as 'Zara Dasgupta', in a suspected honey-trap case. Electronic devices seized from Kurulkar revealed constant communication with the PIO, including sharing of sensitive data.
