Andhra Police arrest two in Pakistan-linked espionage case
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Amaravati , October 6 : Andhra Pradesh Police have arrested two persons, including a naval staffer, in connection with an alleged espionage conspiracy involving Pakistan Intelligence Operatives (PIOs). Police said that 18 suspects have been identified in the case, including 13 naval personnel.
The police said that the investigation is continuing and that the two arrests were made after their prima facie involvement was established. Authorities are now examining the roles of the remaining suspects identified in the case.
The allegations against the accused are under investigation, and further action will depend on the evidence gathered during the probe.
According to an official release issued by the Andhra Pradesh Police Department, the state Counter Intelligence (CI) Cell received credible information about individuals allegedly maintaining direct contact with Pakistani intelligence operatives and their suspected involvement in activities considered prejudicial to India’s national security.
The two arrested accused have been identified as Pradeep Mukharjee, a Navy employee posted at the Visakhapatnam naval base, and Annam Sai Varaprasad, a civilian contract driver engaged for naval officers in Visakhapatnam.
Police said Mukherjee was arrested recently in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. He was subsequently produced before a court in Vijayawada and sent to judicial custody until October 14. He is currently lodged in the district jail in Vijayawada.
Varaprasad was also sent to judicial custody until October 14 and is lodged in the same jail.
The police alleged that both accused had shared sensitive information with Pakistani operatives. The information allegedly included details related to defence establishments and strategic locations in Visakhapatnam and other parts of the country.
🇮🇳🇵🇰 An Indian Navy sailor has been arrested for allegedly leaking sensitive defence information to a female Pakistani intelligence operative who honeytrapped him online.
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) October 4, 2026
Authorities say Pradeep Mukherjee, 31, shared details about strategic naval assets, fleet movements and… pic.twitter.com/i1F0jYJIXL
The investigation is being conducted under “Operation Firewall-2026”, with the Andhra Pradesh Counter Intelligence Cell coordinating with police forces in 10 states to identify and track the suspects allegedly maintaining contact with Pakistani intelligence operatives.
According to the police, the suspects allegedly used encrypted communication channels to share sensitive and classified information. Electronic gadgets were also seized during the investigation and are being examined for evidence.
The development comes as security agencies continue to investigate alleged attempts by foreign intelligence networks to obtain sensitive information concerning India's defence establishments and strategic locations.