A Nagpur Court has pronounced life imprisonment for Nishant Agarwal, a former engineer at BrahMos Aerospace, on charges of espionage for Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).
· The court found Agarwal guilty under sections 3 and 5 of the Official Secrets Act (OSA) and levied a fine of Rs 3000, along with a rigorous imprisonment (RI) term of 14 years.
· Agarwal’s conviction stems from his arrest in 2018 during a joint operation by military intelligence and Anti-terrorism squads (ATS) of Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra.
· Investigating officers revealed that Agarwal was in contact with fake Facebook accounts operated from Islamabad under the names ‘Neha Sharma’ and ‘Pooja Ranjan,’ allegedly run by ISI operatives.
· Further investigation uncovered classified information stored on Agarwal’s personal laptop, including registered files with red markings in PDF format, pointing to his involvement in espionage activities.
· Once an esteemed engineer at BrahMos Aerospace, Agarwal’s downfall underscores the perils of succumbing to online entrapment orchestrated by hostile intelligence agencies.
· Nishant Agarwal’s conviction for espionage reverberates as a cautionary tale in India’s fight against clandestine activities orchestrated by hostile foreign agencies.
In a significant development, a Nagpur Court has pronounced life imprisonment for Nishant Agarwal, a former engineer at BrahMos Aerospace, on charges of espionage for Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). The court found Agarwal guilty under sections 3 and 5 of the Official Secrets Act (OSA) and has levied a fine of Rs 3000, along with a rigorous imprisonment (RI) term of 14 years.
Agarwal’s conviction stems from his arrest in 2018 during a joint operation by military intelligence and Anti-terrorism squads (ATS) of Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra. Employed in Brahmos Aerospace’s technical research section in Nagpur, Agarwal faced allegations of leaking sensitive technical information to Pakistan’s ISI. The court pronounced him guilty under section 235 of the Criminal Procedure Code for an offence punishable under section 66 (f) of the IT Act, along with various provisions of the OSA.
During the court proceedings, investigating officers revealed that Agarwal was in contact with fake Facebook accounts operated from Islamabad under the names ‘Neha Sharma’ and ‘Pooja Ranjan,’ allegedly run by ISI operatives. These accounts, known for luring senior Indian officials, targeted Agarwal, who succumbed to their ploy. Further investigation uncovered classified information stored on Agarwal’s personal laptop, including registered files with red markings in PDF format, pointing to his involvement in espionage activities.
Agarwal’s legal battle saw him being granted bail by the Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court last April, highlighting the complexity of the case. However, the prosecution presented compelling evidence linking Agarwal to espionage, leading to his conviction and life imprisonment. The court’s decision to impose a hefty fine underscore the severity of Agarwal’s actions and serves as a deterrent to potential offenders.
Once an esteemed engineer at BrahMos Aerospace, Agarwal’s downfall underscores the perils of succumbing to online entrapment orchestrated by hostile intelligence agencies. His penchant for social media exploration proved to be his Achilles’ heel, as he became ensnared in a web of deceit spun by ISI operatives masquerading as online acquaintances. Agarwal’s tragic tale serves as a cautionary reminder of the far-reaching consequences of betraying one’s nation for personal gain.
Agarwal’s case serves as a stark reminder of the grave consequences of compromising national security for personal gain. As India grapples with evolving security threats, stringent measures to safeguard sensitive information and thwart espionage attempts become imperative. The judiciary’s decisive action underscores the nation’s unwavering commitment to upholding its sovereignty and safeguarding national interests against external threats.
Nishant Agarwal’s conviction for espionage reverberates as a cautionary tale in India’s fight against clandestine activities orchestrated by hostile foreign agencies. The judiciary’s unwavering stance sends a strong message that perpetrators of espionage will face severe consequences. As the nation navigates the complex landscape of national security, vigilance and resilience remain paramount in safeguarding India’s sovereignty and integrity.
(With inputs from agencies)
