NIA Detains Two in Karnataka for Sharing Confidential Naval Base Data with Pakistan
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Synopsis
The NIA has arrested two individuals in Karnataka for leaking sensitive information about the Karwar Naval Base to Pakistan. The suspects, Vetana Tandel and Akshay Naik, were allegedly trapped by a Pakistani agent through honey trapping, sending naval details in exchange for money. The investigation continues as authorities suspect further involvement.
Key Takeaways
- The NIA arrested two suspects for leaking data about the Karwar Naval Base.
- The suspects were allegedly honey-trapped by a Pakistani agent.
- They transmitted sensitive naval information for financial gain.
- Investigations suggest more individuals may be involved.
- The Karwar Naval Base is one of the largest in India.
Karwar (Karnataka), Feb 18 (NationPress) - The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has apprehended two suspects linked to the unauthorized dissemination of sensitive data concerning the Karwar Naval Base to Pakistan, sources confirmed on Tuesday.
The individuals taken into custody have been named as Vetana Tandel, hailing from Muduga village, and Akshay Naik, a resident of Halavalli in the Karwar district of Karnataka. A team from Hyderabad arrived in Karwar on Monday to facilitate the arrests.
In August 2024, the NIA interrogated three persons - Vetana Tandel, Akshay Naik, and Sunil from Tudur - concerning the leak of information. They were initially released, but the agency kept a close watch on their activities.
Authorities suspect that the accused fell victim to honey trapping orchestrated by Pakistani intelligence. A female agent from Pakistan allegedly manipulated the suspects into procuring sensitive information.
The agent reportedly gathered extensive data about the suspects and sent them friend requests via Facebook in 2023.
The suspects purportedly transmitted images of the Karwar Naval Base and details regarding naval operations to Pakistan in exchange for financial compensation. Their involvement in espionage was unveiled following the arrest of one Deepak and others by the NIA in Hyderabad in 2023.
Investigators have also confirmed that funds were deposited into the suspects' bank accounts as remuneration for their activities.
Vetana and Akshay were employed on a contractual basis with Iron and Mercury, a company situated in the Chandya region of Karwar. Sunil, who previously served as a contract worker at the canteen of the Sea Bird Naval Base, is currently working as a driver.
The NIA has acquired additional intelligence regarding their operations. The detained suspects will undergo interrogation concerning the information leak. The NIA team is also coordinating with officials from the Sea Bird Naval Base in Karwar as part of the ongoing investigation.
Authorities believe that additional individuals may be implicated in this case.
INS Kadamba, also known as Naval Base Karwar or Project Seabird, is a naval facility of the Indian Navy located near Karwar in Karnataka. It is currently the third-largest naval base in India and is anticipated to become the most extensive naval base in the eastern hemisphere following its expansion.
Both of the Navy's aircraft carriers, INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant, are stationed at Karwar. Additionally, the base hosts the nation's first sealift facility, featuring a unique shiplift and transfer system designed for docking and undocking ships and submarines.
