World · India Bureau
Two arrested in Andhra Pradesh for leaking defence secrets to Pakistan
Authorities in Andhra Pradesh have arrested two individuals with connections to the Indian Navy for allegedly sharing sensitive defence information with Pakistani intelligence operatives. The suspects used authentication codes and direct communication to transmit classified material, officials said.
LSN India ·
Security agencies arrested Annam Sai Varaprasad, a civilian driver employed by naval officers, and Pradeep Mukherjee, an Indian Navy employee stationed at the Visakhapatnam naval base, on charges of espionage. Investigators said the duo engaged in unauthorised contact with Pakistani intelligence handlers and transmitted sensitive defence-related information.
According to preliminary findings, the suspects shared one-time passwords (OTP) and maintained direct communication with their foreign contacts over an extended period. The breach exposed classified material related to naval operations and security protocols, prompting immediate action by intelligence and law enforcement agencies.
The arrests underscore recurring security vulnerabilities at military installations, particularly concerning insider threats. Visakhapatnam, home to India's Eastern Naval Command headquarters, has previously witnessed intelligence breaches. Authorities are conducting a detailed investigation to establish the full extent of the information leak and identify any other individuals involved in the espionage network.
The case has triggered a security review across naval establishments in the region. Officials are examining communication records, access logs, and financial transactions to reconstruct the timeline of the alleged espionage operation. Both suspects remain in custody for further interrogation.