Coimbatore: An Indian Navy sailor has been arrested in Coimbatore for allegedly transmitting classified maritime intelligence to a Pakistani intelligence operative through a suspected social media honey-trap, officials said on Sunday.

The Andhra Pradesh Police Counter Intelligence (CI) cell arrested 31-year-old Pradeep Mukherjee on October 3 at INS Agrani, a naval leadership training facility in Coimbatore.

Mukherjee, a native of West Bengal, joined the Indian Navy in 2014 and was posted with the Eastern Naval Command in Visakhapatnam. At the time of his arrest, he was attending a management development course at INS Agrani and had been at the Coimbatore facility for about a week.

Social media honey-trap suspected

According to official sources, the alleged espionage operation involved a social media-based honey-trap.

A female Pakistani intelligence operative reportedly contacted Mukherjee several months ago. Investigators suspect that the online relationship was subsequently used to obtain sensitive information concerning naval assets and operations.

The operative allegedly developed contact with the sailor over a period of time before seeking information connected to India’s maritime security infrastructure.

Officials said the information allegedly transmitted included details relating to strategic naval assets, fleet movements and the operational framework of the Visakhapatnam naval base.

The allegations are part of an ongoing investigation, and the exact nature and extent of the information allegedly shared will be established through the investigation and subsequent legal proceedings.

Counter Intelligence cell detects suspicious activity

The Andhra Pradesh Police Counter Intelligence cell, which investigates threats involving espionage, terrorism and cross-border intelligence activities, initiated the probe after detecting suspicious digital footprints allegedly linked to the sailor.

Investigators subsequently placed Mukherjee under surveillance as part of the inquiry.

The investigation focused on his digital interactions and the possibility that sensitive information concerning naval operations had been shared with a foreign intelligence handler.

Following the surveillance and preliminary investigation, the CI cell arrested Mukherjee at INS Agrani on October 3.

The arrest took place while he was undergoing a management development course at the naval facility.

Posted with Eastern Naval Command

Mukherjee had been serving with the Eastern Naval Command in Visakhapatnam before attending the course in Coimbatore.

The Eastern Naval Command is responsible for India’s naval operations along the country’s eastern seaboard and has strategic significance in India’s maritime security framework.

The alleged disclosure of information relating to fleet movements and the operational structure of the Visakhapatnam base has consequently become a key focus of the investigation.

Officials are examining the sailor’s contacts, digital communications and the information allegedly accessed or transmitted during his interaction with the suspected Pakistani operative.

Investigation into alleged intelligence transfer

The Counter Intelligence cell is expected to examine the circumstances under which the alleged relationship began and how the suspected handler obtained access to the sailor.

Investigators will also determine the nature of the information allegedly shared, the duration of the communications and whether any other individuals were involved.

The suspected use of social media in the alleged operation has once again highlighted the security risks posed by online interactions involving personnel with access to sensitive information.

Intelligence agencies have previously warned that foreign intelligence operatives can use fabricated online identities and personal relationships to establish contact with individuals working in sensitive government and defence establishments.

In the present case, officials have described the suspected operation as a social media honey-trap.

Arrest follows surveillance

The CI cell’s investigation reportedly began after suspicious digital activity was detected. Surveillance was subsequently conducted before the arrest.

Mukherjee was arrested at INS Agrani, where he had been undergoing training for approximately one week.

The sailor’s arrest marks the latest development in the investigation into alleged transmission of sensitive naval information to a foreign intelligence operative.

Officials are now expected to investigate the digital trail and other evidence gathered during the surveillance operation.

Allegations yet to be established

The allegations against Mukherjee are subject to investigation and legal proceedings. His arrest does not by itself establish guilt.

Investigators will have to establish what information was allegedly transmitted, whether it was classified, the identity and role of the suspected Pakistani operative, and the circumstances surrounding the alleged communications.

The investigation will also determine whether any additional security breaches occurred and whether others were involved.

The case has drawn attention because it involves a serving Indian Navy personnel allegedly targeted through an online relationship and suspected of sharing information connected to strategic naval assets.

The Counter Intelligence cell is continuing its investigation into the alleged espionage network and the digital communications associated with the case.