Synopsis
An employee of the Ordnance Equipment Factory in Hazratpur has been arrested by the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorist Squad for leaking sensitive information to Pakistan's ISI. The arrest follows a honey trap scheme that led to the transmission of crucial defense data.Key Takeaways
- Ravindra Kumar arrested for espionage.
- Involvement of a woman linked to ISI.
- Leaked sensitive defense documents.
- Investigations ongoing regarding security impact.
- Digital evidence being analyzed by authorities.
Agra, March 14 (NationPress) The Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) has apprehended an employee of the Ordnance Equipment Factory (OEF) located in Hazratpur on allegations of disclosing classified information to Pakistan's Inter Services Intelligence (ISI), as reported by officials.
The individual, named Ravindra Kumar, became ensnared in a honey trap orchestrated by the ISI and transmitted crucial defense-related information to the agency.
Kumar was taken into custody from the ATS headquarters in Lucknow late on Thursday.
Another associate of Kumar has also been detained by the Anti-Terrorist Squad of the Uttar Pradesh Police.
According to officials, "Kumar was employed at OEF, Hazratpur, and had access to sensitive documents. Investigations revealed that he disclosed highly classified information, including daily production reports, confidential correspondence from the screening committee, a pending requisition list, and insights on drones and the Gaganyaan project, to a woman affiliated with the ISI."
The OEF, Hazratpur, under the Ministry of Defence, manufactures drones, parachutes, and other essential equipment for the Indian armed forces.
Kumar was aware that the woman was connected to the ISI but still proceeded to share the documents with her.
The woman, who introduced herself as Neha Sharma, befriended Kumar in 2024.
Intelligence reports suggested possible internal and external security threats arising from the leaking of sensitive information.
Kumar reportedly developed feelings for her and saved her contact as 'Chandan Store Keeper 2' to avoid suspicion regarding their relationship.
"It appears that Kumar was incentivized financially, prompting him to send confidential documents via WhatsApp. We have uncovered incriminating materials on his phone, including details of logistics drone trials by senior officers of the factory and the 5/1 Gorkha Rifles. He also maintained direct communication with IS handlers based in Pakistan and relayed intelligence," the official added.
On March 12, 2025, Kumar was summoned for interrogation at the ATS field unit in Agra. During the questioning, Kumar initially provided inconsistent answers and attempted to mislead the investigators. He eventually chose to stay overnight for further questioning. The subsequent day, Kumar was brought to the ATS headquarters in Lucknow.
Security agencies are currently analyzing all digital evidence to determine the extent of the damage caused by Kumar and to devise remedial actions.
