Thane, July 1: In a case that has sent shockwaves through India’s security establishment, a Thane court has remanded 27-year-old mechanical engineer Ravindra Muralidhar Verma to 14 days of judicial custody in connection with an alleged espionage operation involving sensitive Indian Navy data.
Verma, who was employed with a defence subcontractor working on Navy dockyard maintenance, stands accused of leaking classified information—including details about warships and submarines—to individuals suspected to be part of a Pakistani intelligence network.
According to officials from the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), Verma fell prey to a honey-trap orchestrated via social media, where he interacted with fabricated female profiles using names like “Payal Sharma,” “Ishpreet,” and “Preeti Jaiswal.” These online personas allegedly manipulated him into sharing confidential materials, including sketches, technical diagrams, and audio messages. Investigators claim he was financially compensated through both Indian and foreign bank accounts in exchange for the classified data.
The ATS told the court that key forensic evidence has been collected, including WhatsApp chats, multiple Indian SIM card usages, and a detailed review of Verma’s bank transactions. Authorities now plan to interrogate his colleagues and review on-site security lapses at the defence facility.
Verma has filed a bail plea, arguing that his continued detention could irreparably harm his personal and professional life, especially since crucial evidence has already been secured. He maintains that the prosecution lacks conclusive proof and that there is no further investigative merit in prolonging his custody.
The court is set to hear the bail application on July 1, a decision that could influence not only Verma’s future but also wider policy conversations on cybersecurity and personnel vetting in sensitive sectors.
