#JUSTIN: 2 Arrested in Andhra CI Cell’s Crackdown on Pakistan-Linked Spy Ring

A suspected Pakistan-linked espionage network allegedly targeting sensitive information related to the Indian Navy and defence establishments has triggered a major counter-intelligence investigation in Andhra Pradesh, with 18 people, including 13 Navy personnel, under scrutiny. The Andhra Pradesh Counter-Intelligence (CI) Cell has expanded the investigation into a pan-India operation, with 12 specialised teams carrying out searches across 10 states and Union Territories. The searches are being conducted in coordination with local police, anti-terror units and naval authorities as investigators examine suspected contacts between those under investigation and Pakistan Intelligence Operatives (PIOs).

The investigation is focused on alleged communications, financial transactions and other links that could establish the extent of the suspected espionage network. Investigators are examining whether sensitive information relating to naval and defence establishments was allegedly shared with Pakistan-linked operatives. Encrypted communication platforms are also under scrutiny as agencies attempt to establish how the suspected network operated and identify the individuals who may have been involved. The probe is continuing across multiple locations, indicating that investigators are examining the possibility of a wider network rather than treating the case as an isolated incident.

At the centre of the investigation is 31-year-old Navy employee Pradeep Mukherjee, who was arrested in Coimbatore while attending a training programme at INS Agrani. Mukherjee joined the Indian Navy in 2014 and was posted with the Eastern Naval Command in Visakhapatnam. Investigators allege that he was in communication with Pakistan-linked operatives and shared sensitive information concerning naval and defence establishments. His arrest has become a key part of the wider investigation as agencies examine his alleged contacts, communications and activities and seek to establish whether other personnel were involved.

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The suspected espionage investigation also involves allegations of a honeytrap operation and financial inducements. Investigators are examining whether individuals were approached or influenced through personal relationships or other methods before allegedly being persuaded to share information. The financial dimension of the probe is also being examined, with agencies looking into suspected money trails and transactions connected to the alleged contacts. Such financial and communication links could help investigators establish whether the people under scrutiny had direct or indirect connections with Pakistan-based intelligence operatives.

The Andhra Pradesh CI Cell has deployed 12 specialised teams for the expanded investigation, with searches taking place across 10 states and Union Territories. The multi-agency nature of the operation reflects the geographical spread of the suspected contacts and the need to coordinate investigations in different jurisdictions. Local police forces, anti-terror units and naval authorities are assisting the counter-intelligence teams as investigators gather digital, financial and other evidence. The agencies are also examining communications conducted through encrypted platforms, which could provide information about the identities of suspected handlers and the nature of the information allegedly exchanged.

Both accused persons in the case have been sent to judicial custody, while the investigation remains underway into their alleged contacts, communications and financial links. Authorities are expected to examine the evidence collected during searches and establish the precise roles, if any, played by those under investigation. The fact that 18 people, including 13 Navy personnel, are being investigated indicates the broader scope of the probe, although being under investigation does not by itself establish criminal involvement. The counter-intelligence operation will ultimately seek to determine whether sensitive defence information was compromised, how the alleged network functioned and whether additional individuals or Pakistan-linked operatives were involved.

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