In a significant breach of national security, Mahendra Prasad, the manager of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) guest house near Jaisalmer’s Chandan Field Firing Range, was arrested on August 12, 2025, for allegedly leaking sensitive military information to Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). According to NDTV, the arrest, made by Rajasthan Police’s intelligence wing, follows a week-long investigation that uncovered Prasad’s espionage activities.
Espionage Activities Uncovered
Prasad, a 32-year-old native of Almora, Uttarakhand, had been employed as a contractual manager at the DRDO guest house for several years. Authorities allege that he was in constant communication with a Pakistani intelligence handler and provided detailed information about the movement of DRDO scientists and Indian Army officers visiting the facility for missile and weapon trials. The guest house, located near the Pokhran Field Firing Range, is a critical site for testing strategic defence equipment.
Surveillance and Investigation
The arrest occurred amid heightened surveillance by Rajasthan CID Intelligence, coinciding with Independence Day celebrations. Investigations revealed that Prasad had been using social media platforms to establish contact with his Pakistani handler. During a joint interrogation by police and security agencies, evidence emerged linking Prasad to the transmission of sensitive defence data to Pakistan. He has been charged under the Official Secrets Act, 1923.
National Security Implications
This incident underscores the vulnerabilities within India’s defence infrastructure and the ongoing threat of espionage targeting critical military sites. The DRDO guest house, frequently hosting defence scientists and officials, was exploited as a conduit for transmitting classified information. The breach highlights the necessity for stringent security measures and vigilant monitoring of personnel associated with sensitive defence establishments.
The arrest of Mahendra Prasad serves as a stark reminder of the persistent threats to national security posed by espionage activities. It calls for enhanced security protocols and comprehensive background checks for individuals working in proximity to critical defence infrastructure. As investigations continue, authorities remain committed to uncovering the full extent of the espionage network and ensuring that such breaches do not compromise the nation’s security interests.
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