5 hrs ago
Andhra Police Arrest Two in Alleged Pakistan-Linked Espionage Probe
Police in Andhra Pradesh are investigating an alleged spying network.
They say 18 people are suspects, including 13 people who work in the Navy.
Two men have been arrested: naval base employee Pradeep Mukharjee and civilian driver Annam Sai Varaprasad.
Police allege that Varaprasad shared defence information and received money.
They also allege that Mukharjee shared a phone security code and communicated with Pakistan Intelligence Operatives.
Investigators say information about Visakhapatnam and other places was sent using encrypted messages.
Police called their coordinated investigation Operation Firewall–2026.
They say teams worked across 10 states and union territories, and the investigation is continuing.
Andhra Pradesh police say 18 people are suspects, including 13 naval personnel, in an alleged espionage conspiracy.
The two arrested are naval base employee Pradeep Mukharjee and civilian contract driver Annam Sai Varaprasad.
Police allege Varaprasad shared sensitive information and received money, while Mukharjee allegedly shared an OTP and communicated with Pakistan Intelligence Operatives.
Investigators say information about Visakhapatnam and other strategic locations was shared through encrypted communication channels.
Operation Firewall–2026 began on October 1, deploying 12 Counter Intelligence Cell teams across 10 states and union territories; the probe is ongoing.
- Who
- Andhra Pradesh Counter Intelligence Cell; two arrested suspects, Pradeep Mukharjee and Annam Sai Varaprasad; 18 people are under investigation, including 13 naval personnel.
- What
- An investigation into an alleged espionage network and sharing of sensitive defence information with Pakistan Intelligence Operatives.
- Where
- The investigation spans 10 states and union territories. Mukharjee was arrested in Coimbatore, and the case was registered in Vijayawada.
- When
- The case was registered on September 2, and Operation Firewall–2026 was launched on October 1; the reports do not specify the year.
- Why
- Police say they are investigating suspected contacts with Pakistan Intelligence Operatives and alleged sharing of information concerning defence establishments and strategic locations.
Police allegations
Suspects’ response
Alleged espionage and information sharing
Police allegations
Police allege the suspects were in contact with Pakistan Intelligence Operatives and shared sensitive defence information; they say the two men were arrested after their prima facie roles were established.
Suspects’ response
The reports provide no response from the suspects or their representatives. The accusations remain allegations under investigation.
Key facts
- People under investigation
- 18 suspects, including 13 naval personnel
- Arrested
- Pradeep Mukharjee and Annam Sai Varaprasad
- Operation
- Operation Firewall–2026
- Operation date
- October 1; year not specified in the reports
- Teams and reach
- 12 Counter Intelligence Cell teams across 10 states and union territories
- Alleged information sharing
- Information relating to naval and defence establishments, Visakhapatnam, and other strategic locations
- Communication
- Police allege information was shared through encrypted channels
- Custody and probe
- Both arrested men were reported in judicial custody until October 14; the investigation is ongoing
Quotes
Andhra Pradesh Police release
Official police release describing the espionage investigation.
“The Andhra Pradesh Counter Intelligence Cell received credible information regarding certain persons in India allegedly maintaining direct contact with Pakistan Intelligence Operatives (PIOs) and their suspected involvement in an espionage conspiracy prejudicial to the national security of India,”
rediff.com
businesstoday.in
“Two suspects were arrested after a prima facie role was established in this case and further investigation is going on for the remaining suspects.”
businesstoday.in
Sources
AP CI Cell Busts Alleged Espionage Module with Pak Links
Visakhapatnam naval base staffer, driver held for ‘sharing information with Pakistan’
13 of 18 suspects in Vizag's Pak spy ring are navy personnel
2 arrested in Andhra for spying for Pakistan, including naval staffer
2 Arrested Over Pak-Linked Spy Module In Andhra, Many Naval Personnel Among Suspects
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