NIA arrests 3 for leaking defense information to Pakistani operatives
What's the story
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested three people for leaking sensitive defense information to Pakistan-based intelligence operatives.
The accused, identified as Vethan Laxman Tandel and Akshay Ravi Naik from Karnataka's Uttara Kannada district, and Abhilash PA from Kerala's Kochi, were allegedly sharing details about Indian defense establishments at Karwar Naval Base and Kochi Naval Base.
Communication link
Accused in contact with Pakistani intelligence operatives
The NIA revealed that the accused were in touch with Pakistani Intelligence Operatives (PIOs) via social media platforms. They allegedly received money for sharing sensitive information about Indian defense establishments.
The latest arrest takes the total number of people detained in this case to eight after an investigation was launched by the Counter Intelligence Cell, Andhra Pradesh, in January 2021.
Legal proceedings
NIA files charges against 5 individuals
While Vethan Laxman Tandel and Akshay Ravi Naik were picked up from Uttara Kannada district in Karnataka, Abhilash P A was arrested from Kochi in Kerala, the agency said.
The NIA has chargesheeted five people in this case, including two absconding Pakistani operatives.
The chargesheeted accused include Pakistan national Meer Balaj Khan and Akash Solanki, who is currently under arrest.
Other absconding PIOs are Alven, Manmohan Surendra Panda, and Amaan Salim Shaikh—who have also been chargesheeted by the agency.
Espionage tactics
Honey-trap operation and financial transactions exposed
Reportedly, Tandel and Naik were honey-trapped by a female agent on Facebook in 2023, prompting them to leak classified details about naval activities.
They allegedly received a monthly payout of ₹5,000 for eight months for their involvement.
The espionage network was exposed after Deepak and others were arrested by the NIA in Hyderabad in 2023.
Authorities have traced financial transactions linking the accused to this network.
Investigation progress
Ongoing investigation and coordination with naval officers
Meanwhile, the NIA continues to interrogate those arrested and is coordinating with Project Seabird officers for further information.
INS Kadamba, also referred to as Naval Base Karwar or Project Seabird, is a prominent Indian Navy base in Karnataka.
It is currently India's third-largest naval base and is likely to become the largest in the eastern hemisphere after ongoing expansion efforts.