SOURCE: AFI
The Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has apprehended an employee of Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders (MDL) on suspicion of divulging classified information concerning restricted areas to a Pakistani intelligence operative. The individual in question, Kalpesh Baikar (31), a resident of Alibaug in Raigarh district, had undergone training as a fitter at an ITI college in Alibaug before joining Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders in Mumbai in May 2014.
Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders is renowned for its expertise in constructing warships, submarines, and offshore platforms for the Indian Navy. The ATS alleges that Baikar, in possession of access to restricted zones within the shipbuilding facility, engaged in extensive social media conversations with a woman over several months. As their dialogue progressed, Baikar purportedly shared sensitive data with the woman in return for financial remuneration.
Sources within the ATS suggest that the woman was affiliated with the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) of Pakistan, employing tactics commonly associated with honey trapping to extract confidential information from Baikar. Presently, the ATS is actively probing the duration of Baikar’s interaction with the alleged Pakistani operative and the scope of the information he may have disclosed.
A case has been lodged against Baikar and individuals within his social circle under the Official Secrets Act, underscoring the gravity of the situation. The ATS has initiated a comprehensive inquiry into the matter, focusing on unraveling the intricacies of the espionage network and safeguarding national security interests.