Former DRDO Scientist Accused of Sharing Classified Data to Pakistan , Face Espionage Trial in July

A special court has framed charges against former Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) scientist Pradeep Kurulkar in an alleged espionage case, paving the way for the commencement of his trial in July.

The court framed charges under provisions of the Official Secrets Act, 1923 , including sections related to alleged spying and wrongful communication of sensitive information. The trial is expected to begin in the second week of July and will be conducted in-camera due to the involvement of classified material.

Special public prosecutor Ujjwala Pawar confirmed that charges had been framed against Kurulkar, adding that the proceedings would be held privately in view of the provisions of the Official Secrets Act.

Kurulkar, a senior DRDO scientist, has been accused by the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) of allegedly sharing sensitive and classified information with an alleged Pakistani agent. The ATS filed a charge sheet in the case on June 30, 2023 .

The case is being heard by Special Judge P Y Ladekar , who handles ATS-related matters. Kurulkar had earlier filed a discharge application through his lawyers, seeking relief from the proceedings. However, the court rejected the plea and framed charges under sections 3(1)(c), 4, 5(1)(a), 5(1)(c), and 5(1)(d) of the Official Secrets Act.

The court has directed the prosecution to submit a list of documents it intends to rely upon during the trial.