A serious security breach has come to light at BrahMos Aerospace, with allegations that a former Director General (DG) of the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) removed confidential documents from company premises.
Reports obtained by Firstpost indicate that DRDO's Vigilance Department suspects Sudhir Mishra, the former DG, in the incident.
Details of the Alleged Breach
According to the reports, on the day of his retirement, Mishra employed a logistics company, Big Logistics India Pvt Ltd., to remove numerous boxes and documents from BrahMos headquarters without obtaining a necessary "out-pass." A person named Sultan, believed to be associated with the logistics firm, is recorded in company registers.
Approximately a month later, Mishra returned some of the materials, including a file marked "CONFIDENTIAL." This act triggered the investigation, which uncovered significant security lapses at the firm.
Missing Evidence and Security Failures
The investigation revealed that CCTV footage from a critical 15-day period was missing. Additionally, mandatory 90-day backups of CCTV footage were not maintained, and records of items leaving the premises were found to be poorly organized.
DRDO Response and Concerns
While the DRDO's investigative committee did not find conclusive evidence against Mishra, the incident raises serious concerns about security protocols at BrahMos. Both Mishra and BrahMos have declined to comment on these allegations.
A Pattern of Security Concerns
This incident is the latest in a troubling series of security breaches involving DRDO scientists. In recent years, several cases of sensitive information leaks to suspected foreign agents have raised questions about the safeguarding of India's defense secrets. Examples include the 2023 case of Pradeep Kurulkar, who was allegedly honey-trapped by Pakistani spies, and other similar incidents in 2022 and 2018.
The Path Forward
The consequences of this alleged breach remain to be seen. The case highlights a critical need for enhanced security measures at sensitive defense establishments. It is imperative to determine whether Mishra acted improperly and to address any vulnerabilities exposed by this incident.
 "Confidential Files Missing From BrahMos Aerospace, Former DRDO Chief Under Scrutiny")
