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Mumbai, Maharashtra: A 31-year-old contractual employee of Mazagon Dock Limited (MDL) in Mumbai has been arrested by the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) for allegedly sharing classified information with a Pakistan-based intelligence operative.
Honey Trapped and Exploited:
- The accused, identified as Kalpesh Baikar, reportedly fell victim to a honey trap where a woman, believed to be an agent of the Pakistani intelligence agency (PIO), engaged with him online.
- This manipulation allegedly led him to share sensitive information about a restricted area with the operative.
Official Secrets Act Invoked:
- The ATS, acting on a tip-off, apprehended Baikar and registered a case under the Official Secrets Act.
- The investigation revealed that Baikar not only shared classified information but also received financial compensation for doing so.
- Authorities are currently probing his contact list to identify any potential accomplices.
Extent of the Breach:
- While the exact nature of the shared information remains undisclosed to protect ongoing investigations, reports suggest it involved details about a government-restricted area, potentially compromising national security.
Similar Case:
- This incident follows a similar arrest in December 2023, where another MDL employee was apprehended for allegedly sharing crucial information with a suspected Pakistani agent.
Heightened Security Measures:
- The arrest highlights the vulnerability of sensitive information within critical defense establishments and underscores the need for robust security protocols.
- Authorities are likely to strengthen security measures at MDL and other such facilities to prevent future breaches.
Further Investigation:
- The ATS is currently investigating the extent of the information leak and the complete network involved.
- Unearthing any potential accomplices and the full intentions behind the operation remain a focus of the ongoing investigation.
