31-year-old Indian Navy sailor 'honey trapped', lured into sharing classified data with Pakistani operative

Pradeep Mukherjee was arrested at INS Agrani, a naval leadership training facility in Coimbatore, by the Andhra Pradesh Police Counter Intelligence (CI) cell.

Updated on: Oct 4, 2026, 15:23:31 IST

By HT News Desk

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

A 31-year-old Indian Navy sailor was reportedly arrested on October 3 for allegedly transmitting classified maritime intelligence to a Pakistani operative. The espionage case involved a social media-based “honey trap", news agency PTI reported, citing official sources.

The espionage case involved a social media-based “honey trap" (Representational Photo/Defence PRO)

Pradeep Mukherjee was arrested at INS Agrani, a naval leadership training facility in Coimbatore, by the Andhra Pradesh Police Counter Intelligence (CI) cell.

Mukherjee, a native of West Bengal, was attending a management development course at the time of his arrest and had been at the Coimbatore facility for around a week.

Also Read: ‘Two generations of sailors’: Father and son meet unexpectedly in the middle of the ocean

He joined the Navy in 2014, and was posted with the Eastern Naval Command in Visakhapatnam.

Investigators said a female Pakistani intelligence operative had reportedly contacted Mukherjee several months earlier. The online relationship was allegedly used to obtain sensitive data regarding strategic naval assets, fleet movements, and the operational framework of the Visakhapatnam base.

The CI cell, which specialises in investigating cross-border espionage and terror-related threats, launched an inquiry after detecting suspicious digital activity linked to the sailor. He was subsequently placed under surveillance before being arrested.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

Indian Navy

Get the latest India News, breaking headlines, and real-time updates from across the nation. Stay informed on politics, government policies, crime, weather, and major national developments.