Bengaluru: Home Minister G Parameshwara revealed on Thursday that a senior engineer from Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) was taken into custody for allegedly disclosing classified information to contacts in Pakistan.

The arrested individual, Deepraj Chandra, 36, was employed in BEL’s research division. Authorities claim he provided highly sensitive intelligence related to radar and communication systems. Intelligence agencies, including military intelligence, identified his actions and acted promptly.

Parameshwara stated that Chandra, originally from Uttar Pradesh, had compromised crucial data about defense equipment and key decisions at BEL’s Bengaluru facility. “This is an alarming case of betrayal,” he remarked, confirming that further inquiries are underway.

Investigators disclosed that Chandra, a native of Ghaziabad, exchanged confidential details for Bitcoin transactions. He allegedly revealed strategic insights about security frameworks, operational systems, and profiles of senior personnel. Sources indicate he utilized encrypted platforms like WhatsApp, Telegram, and email to communicate covertly.

To evade detection, he reportedly created a separate email account, sharing login credentials instead of directly transmitting information. Intelligence teams are currently analyzing his digital footprint, including financial transactions, to assess the full extent of the breach.

Authorities are also tracking two other individuals suspected of involvement. The specific recipient of the leaked intelligence in Pakistan remains under scrutiny. Investigations continue to unravel the magnitude of this security lapse.

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