Jaipur: In a major security breach, a clerk posted at the Naval office in New Delhi was arrested by Rajasthan police’s intelligence wing on Wednesday for allegedly leaking classified information to a Pakistani handler during sensitive military operations, including the recently concluded Operation Sindoor, reported the Times of India.
The accused, Vishal Yadav, hailing from Punsika village in Rewari, Haryana, was serving as an upper division clerk at the Directorate of Dockyard, Nausena Bhawan. Authorities revealed he was in contact with a Pakistani agent operating under the pseudonym ‘Priya Sharma’ through various social media platforms.
Inspector General of Police (Security) Vishnukant Gupta stated that Yadav had been under surveillance due to suspicions of espionage and links to Pakistani intelligence networks. It was confirmed that he transmitted confidential documents and operational details in return for monetary gains.
During interrogation by multiple intelligence agencies at the Central Interrogation Centre in Jaipur, it emerged that Yadav was addicted to online gaming and had fallen into serious financial debt. To repay his dues and fuel his addiction, he allegedly shared sensitive naval information, receiving payments via cryptocurrency (USDT) and traditional bank transfers.
A forensic analysis of his mobile phone revealed incriminating evidence, including numerous chats and file transfers related to strategic defence activities. Authorities confirmed that the leaked materials included documents from Operation Sindoor.
Following the confirmation, Yadav was booked under the Official Secrets Act, 1923, and formally arrested on charges of espionage. The case highlights the growing threat of cyber espionage and the urgent need for stricter monitoring and preventive mechanisms within defence establishments.
