Navy Sailor Arrested In Coimbatore Over Alleged Classified Data Leak To Pakistani Operative

An Indian Navy sailor was arrested in Coimbatore for allegedly leaking classified maritime intelligence to a Pakistani intelligence operative through a social media-based “honey-trap” operation, 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 the city. The case involves allegations of unauthorised sharing of sensitive information concerning naval operations.

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. Officials said the investigation began after authorities detected suspicious digital activity allegedly linked to him.

According to officials, a female Pakistani intelligence operative had contacted Mukherjee through social media several months ago and gradually developed an online relationship with him. Investigators allege that the operative subsequently used the relationship to obtain sensitive information from the sailor. The information allegedly sought included details relating to strategic naval assets, fleet movements and the operational framework of the Visakhapatnam naval base.

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The Andhra Pradesh Police Counter Intelligence cell, which investigates threats linked to cross-border espionage and terrorism, reportedly began monitoring the sailor after identifying the suspicious activity. Mukherjee was placed under surveillance as investigators examined his alleged communications and interactions with the Pakistani operative. The investigation eventually led to his arrest at INS Agrani on October 3.

The allegations have raised concerns over the use of social media platforms in attempts to obtain sensitive information from personnel associated with India's security establishments. Investigators are examining the nature and extent of the information allegedly shared by Mukherjee, as well as the communications between him and the Pakistani operative. Further details about the case are expected to emerge as the investigation progresses.

The arrest comes amid continued efforts by Indian security agencies to detect and prevent espionage networks targeting defence personnel and strategic installations. Officials are expected to investigate whether the sailor acted independently or whether the alleged information-sharing formed part of a wider intelligence operation. The case remains under investigation, and the allegations against Mukherjee will be subject to the legal process.

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