Engineer arrested in Karnataka for leaking national security information

A senior engineer at Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) has been arrested in Karnataka for allegedly leaking national security information to Pakistan. The engineer, Deep Raj Chandra, is 36 years old and from Uttar Pradesh. He was under investigation by military intelligence due to suspicious financial activity linked to a suspected Pakistani operative. Chandra is accused of sharing classified information with Pakistan's ISI. Reports say he received payments in cryptocurrency, specifically Bitcoin, while using multiple bank accounts. His actions raised concerns about a larger espionage network, prompting Karnataka State Intelligence to intervene. Officials stated that Chandra utilized advanced espionage techniques. He reportedly stored sensitive data in email drafts, allowing his handlers to access it. Investigators found he had stolen critical details about radar systems, communication protocols, and even senior defense officials. BEL is a key public sector company under the Ministry of Defence. It develops India's defense electronics and is responsible for manufacturing crucial technologies. This breach poses a serious threat to national security. During questioning, Chandra admitted to using encrypted communication platforms for leaking information on defense technology. Authorities have seized his laptop and phone, which will undergo forensic analysis. This arrest comes amid rising incidents of espionage linked to Pakistan. Recently, other individuals have been detained for sharing sensitive information about defense installations in India. Intelligence agencies are increasing efforts to combat these threats, as security forces remain on high alert.