A ‘Hi’ That Cost Defence Secrets: Indian Navy Sailor Falls Into Honeytrap
Mukherjee is accused of sharing classified information related to the Indian Navy’s Eastern Naval Command with the Pakistani intelligence operative.
An Indian Navy sailor has been arrested in Coimbatore for allegedly leaking sensitive defence information to a female Pakistani intelligence operative after being lured into a honeytrap, raising questions over security awareness and training within the Indian forces.
According to Indian media outlet India Today, the arrested sailor has been identified as 31-year-old Pradeep Mukherjee, who was taken into custody by the Andhra Pradesh Police Counter Intelligence Cell at INS Agrani, an Indian Navy training establishment in Coimbatore.
Mukherjee is accused of sharing classified information related to the Indian Navy’s Eastern Naval Command with the Pakistani intelligence operative.
Online Contact Developed Into Relationship
According to investigators, a woman contacted Mukherjee through social media several months ago and gradually developed an online relationship with him.
Investigators say the operative used the relationship to extract sensitive information concerning Indian naval activities, including fleet movements and strategic naval assets based at Visakhapatnam.
The case is being investigated as an alleged honeytrap and espionage operation involving the Indian sailor and the Pakistani operative.
Second Case Involving Indian Sailor This Year
The arrest marks the second alleged Pakistan-linked honeytrap case involving an Indian Navy sailor this year, bringing renewed attention to vulnerabilities arising from social media contacts targeting military personnel.
The latest case also raises questions over counter-intelligence training, digital security awareness and safeguards within the Indian forces, particularly regarding personnel with access to sensitive defence information.
A fake social media profile and an initial online interaction allegedly developed into a relationship through which sensitive naval information was compromised, according to investigators.
Authorities are investigating the extent of the information shared and the circumstances surrounding the alleged espionage operation.
