An Indian Navy sailor has been arrested in Coimbatore over allegations that he shared sensitive defence information with a suspected Pakistani intelligence operative.
The Andhra Pradesh Police Counter Intelligence Cell arrested 31-year-old Pradeep Mukherjee on October 3 at INS Agrani, a naval leadership training facility in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu.
Sailor Was Posted in Visakhapatnam
Mukherjee is from West Bengal and joined the Indian Navy in 2014. He was serving under the Eastern Naval Command in Visakhapatnam.
He had arrived at INS Agrani about a week before his arrest to attend a management development course.
Indian officials said a woman suspected of having links to Pakistani intelligence contacted Mukherjee through social media several months ago. Investigators allege that the relationship was later used to obtain sensitive naval information.
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Investigation Focuses on Naval Information
According to officials, the information allegedly shared included details about strategic naval assets, fleet movements and operational arrangements at the Visakhapatnam naval base.
The Counter Intelligence Cell began investigating after detecting suspicious digital activity linked to Mukherjee. Investigators then placed him under surveillance before making the arrest.
Officials are now examining the nature and extent of the information that may have been compromised. They are also investigating possible links to other people and any financial transactions connected to the case.
Sailor Taken to Vijayawada for Questioning
After the arrest, Mukherjee was taken to Vijayawada for further questioning. Reports said investigators obtained the required clearance from naval authorities before taking him into custody.
The investigation is continuing. Officials have not yet disclosed the full extent of the information allegedly transmitted or whether others were involved.
The allegations against Mukherjee have not been established by a court.
