Mumbai: Why No Treason Charge Against DRDO’s Pradeep Kurulkar? Asks Prithviraj Chavan
Mumbai, 4th August 2023: In a significant development, former Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan raised a compelling issue in the Legislative Assembly, demanding that Dr. Pradeep Kurulkar, the director of Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) lab, be prosecuted for treason in addition to being charged under the Official Secrets Act. Chavan expressed his concerns during the Assembly session held in Zero Vihar.
Dr. Pradeep Kurulkar, a high-ranking official of DRDO, was apprehended by the ATS (Anti-Terrorism Squad) in Pune. The allegations pointed to his involvement in a honeytrap, wherein he established a relationship with a Pakistani woman he had met on the internet and later met abroad. The ongoing investigation suspects that he may have shared sensitive information about India’s ‘BrahMos’ and other missile systems with the said individual.
Despite the gravity of the case and its implications on national security, the charges filed against him have been limited to violations under the Official Secrets Act. Surprisingly, no charges of sedition were brought against him, and the investigation did not fall under the jurisdiction of the National Investigation Agency (NIA). Additionally, concerns were raised about his affiliation with a social organization, warranting further scrutiny.
Prithviraj Chavan firmly asserted that the officer should face charges of sedition, given the severity of the situation.
Joining the call for action, Jayant Patil from the NCP urged the Assembly Speaker to direct the Chief Minister to investigate the reasons behind the absence of sedition charges.
However, as the matter is currently sub judice, Assembly Speaker Rahul Narvekar refused permission to discuss it in the House, citing the inappropriateness of doing so during ongoing legal proceedings. Narvekar further clarified that after the charge sheet is filed, the court will have the authority to determine the appropriate charges based on the evidence presented.
