13 Navy Personnel Under Scanner in Pakistan-Linked Espionage Probe
Andhra Pradesh counter-intelligence teams are investigating 18 people, including 13 suspected Navy personnel, over alleged links to Pakistan-linked intelligence operatives.
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18 people under investigation
Andhra Pradesh's counter-intelligence (CI) wing has launched a major Pakistan-linked espionage probe, placing 18 people under investigation, including 13 suspected Navy personnel.
Under Operation Firewall-2026, 12 CI teams reportedly conducted simultaneous searches across 10 states and union territories, including Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Maharashtra and Karnataka. Investigators are examining suspected contacts with Pakistan-linked intelligence operatives through encrypted communication platforms.
The probe is focused in part on whether sensitive information concerning the Indian Navy and defence establishments in Visakhapatnam was collected or shared with foreign intelligence operatives.
Electronic devices were seized from several suspects, while investigators said preliminary evidence has emerged against at least two people.
Two arrests in the investigation
In Visakhapatnam, investigators arrested Annam Sai Varaprasad, a civilian contract driver working with the Navy. Police allege that he passed sensitive information about defence establishments to a Pakistan-linked operative and are examining whether he received money in return.
Varaprasad was produced before a court and remanded in judicial custody until October 14. He was subsequently lodged in Visakhapatnam district jail.
A second arrest involved 31-year-old Navy sailor Pradeep Mukherjee, who was detained in Coimbatore while attending a training course. Mukherjee, who joined the Navy in 2014, is accused of allegedly leaking classified maritime intelligence to Pakistan-linked operatives after reportedly being targeted in a honeytrap.
He was arrested following a joint investigation by Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu counter-intelligence units. He was later brought to Andhra Pradesh on a transit warrant and remanded in judicial custody until October 14.
Digital and financial trails under scrutiny
Investigators are continuing to examine the remaining 16 suspects. Their digital communications, financial transactions, electronic devices and alleged contacts with foreign intelligence operatives are being scrutinised.
The investigation is particularly significant because Visakhapatnam is a strategically important naval hub on India's eastern coast. However, the allegations remain subject to investigation and judicial proceedings.
Editorial note: The allegations in this report are based on information attributed to investigators. Being under investigation or arrested does not establish guilt.
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Written by
Mrinal Parashar
Editorial Team Lead
Editorial Team Lead at Mumbai Weekly, overseeing the publication's editorial operations, content quality, and publishing standards across startups, financial markets, technology, AI, and national economic policy.
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