Mumbai, India – The Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has arrested an employee of the Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders (MDL) on charges of espionage. Kalpesh Baikar (31), a resident of the Raigarh district, stands accused of leaking classified information about restricted areas of the dockyard to a suspected Pakistani intelligence operative.
Baikar, who joined MDL in May 2014 after training as a fitter, allegedly fell prey to a honey trap. According to ATS sources, Baikar engaged in prolonged social media conversations with a woman believed to be affiliated with Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).
In exchange for financial compensation, he is accused of sharing sensitive details about the dockyard, known for building warships, submarines, and offshore platforms for the Indian Navy.
"Our investigations indicate that the woman was a Pakistani intelligence operative who used a honey trap to compromise Baikar. We are currently determining the extent of information shared and the length of their contact," an ATS official stated, requesting anonymity due to the sensitivity of the case.
The ATS is conducting a wide-ranging investigation to determine potential accomplices and fully assess the damage to national security. Baikar, along with individuals within his circle, has been charged under the Official Secrets Act.
This incident highlights the ongoing threat of espionage and the sophisticated methods employed by foreign intelligence agencies to obtain sensitive information. The ATS remains committed to safeguarding India's strategic assets and national security.
