Espionage trial against ex-DRDO scientist Pradeep Kurulkar starts in Pune court

Pune, Jul 13 (PTI) The trial in the espionage case allegedly involving former Defence Research and Development Organisation scientist Pradeep Kurulkar commenced in a Pune court on Monday, more than three years after the Maharashtra ATS filed a chargesheet, with the prosecution examining its first witness. The proceedings were held before Additional Sessions Judge P Y Ladekar. A special court in Pune last month had framed charges against Kurulkar under various provisions of the Official Secrets Act, 1923. The Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad, which is probing the case, had filed a chargesheet on June 30, 2023. During the day's hearing, the prosecution examined its first panch witness in connection with Kurulkar's arrest and the search and seizure panchnama carried out at his office. The witness was later cross-examined by defence counsel Hrishikesh Ganu, assisted by advocate Raghav Puranik. Special Public Prosecutor Ujjwala Pawar appeared for the prosecution. The court has posted the matter for further hearing on July 14. Kurulkar, a senior DRDO scientist, is accused of sharing sensitive and classified information with an alleged Pakistani agent. Special Public Prosecutor Pawar had said that sections 3 and 5 of the Official Secrets Act deal with “penalties for spying” and “wrongful communication”, respectively. PTI SPK NSK