ISLAMABAD:Indian authorities have arrested a man posing as a scientist atthe Bhabha Atomic Research Centre on alleged charges of smuggling highlysensitive nuclear files. The suspect, identified as Akhtar QutubuddinHussaini, was detained in Mumbai after intelligence agencies uncovered hiscovert operations. Investigations revealed he possessed forgedidentification documents and multiple maps detailing critical nuclearinfrastructure.
The leaked documents reportedly include blueprints of nuclear reactors,advanced security systems, and technical designs vital to India’s atomicprogramme. Police sources indicated the files were transmitted throughencrypted channels to handlers in Beijing and Islamabad. This breach posessevere risks to regional security, prompting heightened alerts along theborders.
Hussaini’s arrest follows a months-long probe by Mumbai Crime Branch andDelhi Police, who cracked a broader espionage ring involving foreignfunding. Traced transactions show millions routed from overseas accounts,linked to entities in Iran, China, and Pakistan.The accused had travelled abroad on fake passports, establishing contactswith suspected intelligence operatives.Authorities recovered 14 suspicious maps and digital storage devices fromhis residence in Versova. Interrogations suggest he infiltrated BARC underfalse pretenses, gaining access to restricted areas. The case echoes pastincidents of nuclear proliferation, underscoring vulnerabilities in India’spremier research facility.
Read Top Stories
Indian officials have vowed a thorough investigation, with potentialdiplomatic repercussions. Cooperation from international agencies is beingsought to dismantle the network. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s foreign ministrydismissed the allegations as baseless propaganda aimed at maligningbilateral ties.This development intensifies scrutiny on cross-border intelligenceactivities amid ongoing tensions. Experts warn that such leaks couldaccelerate arms races in South Asia, destabilizing the fragile peace. Thegovernment has imposed a media blackout on specifics to safeguard nationalinterests.Source:www.ndtv.com/india-news/fake-barc-scientist-arrested-in-mumbai-likely-had-access-to-nuclear-data-9542661″>https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/fake-barc-scientist-arrested-in-mumbai-likely-had-access-to-nuclear-data-9542661Source:https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/brothers-posed-as-barc-scientists-how-delhi-police-cracked-nuclear-espionage-ring-with-iran-and-pakistan-links/articleshow/124887464.cms