The Maharashtra ATS has recently filed a detailed chargesheet against Pradeep Kurulkar, a renowned scientist from the DRDO (Defense Research and Development Organization) posted as director of Research and Development Establishment (R&DE) Engineers (E). The chargesheet alleges that Kurulkar has been involved in sharing sensitive and classified information with a Pakistan Intelligence Operative (PIO) who identified herself as Zara Das Gupta to him. This information exchange is said to have taken place in exchange of explicit online conversations. The charge sheet also claims that Kurulkar downloaded some software which had malware and PIO may have got more sensitive details from his phone by accessing it with the help of the software.

The charge sheet, comprising 1,800 pages, was filed before the Pune sessions court last week. It highlights the gravity of the situation by revealing that the leaked information includes crucial details pertaining to various defense technologies. Some of the specific technologies mentioned in the charge sheet are the Brahmos and Agni 6 missile launchers, Surface-to-Air Missiles, Anti-Satellite Missiles, Rustom DRDO (an unmanned aerial vehicle), Mentor Missile, Rafael (presumably referring to the Rafael Advanced Defense Systems), AK system (possibly referring to AK-series firearms), Astra missile (an air-to-air missile), as well as defense drones. To address the legal process, Kurulkar’s lawyer was formally handed the charge sheet on Friday, ensuring that the accused scientist and his legal team are informed about the allegations made against him.