JAISALMER: Rajasthan’s CID Intelligence has arrested Mahendra Prasad, a 32-year-old contractual manager at the DRDO Guest House near the Chandan Field Firing Range in Jaisalmer, on charges of espionage. Prasad is accused of leaking sensitive information to Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).
Hailing from Palyun village in Almora district, Uttarakhand, Prasad was allegedly sharing confidential details — including the movements of DRDO scientists and Indian Army officers — with Pakistani handlers via social media platforms.
According to Vishnukant, Inspector General of Police (CID – Security), Rajasthan, the arrest follows heightened surveillance by state intelligence in the run-up to Independence Day, aimed at countering foreign-backed subversive activities.
Investigators uncovered Prasad’s communication with ISI operatives during ongoing monitoring efforts. He is suspected of passing on strategic information related to missile and weapons testing conducted at the firing range.
Following his arrest, Prasad was taken to the Central Interrogation Centre in Jaipur, where multiple intelligence agencies questioned him. A forensic analysis of his mobile phone reportedly confirmed the espionage.
A case has been registered against him under the Official Secrets Act, 1923 on August 12, and he is set to be produced in court on August 13 to seek remand for further investigation.
The arrest underscores the heightened state of alert among Indian security agencies ahead of national celebrations, with a renewed focus on identifying and neutralizing foreign intelligence threats.
