VIJAYAWADA: A suspected Pakistan-linked espionage network has triggered a major counter-intelligence operation across Andhra Pradesh and other parts of the country, with 18 people under the scanner, including 13 suspected Navy personnel.The state counter-intelligence (CI) wing has launched ‘Operation Firewall-2026’, deploying 12 teams to conduct simultaneous searches across 10 states and union territories, including Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Maharashtra and Karnataka. The operation is focused on suspected links between the suspected individuals and Pakistan intelligence operatives (PIOs), particularly through encrypted communication platforms.
Investigators are probing the alleged targeting of sensitive information related to Indian Navy and defence establishments in Visakhapatnam, a strategically important naval hub on India’s eastern coast. Officials suspect that confidential information may have been collected and shared with Pakistan-linked operatives. Electronic devices were reportedly seized from several suspects during the searches. Preliminary evidence has emerged against at least two of the 18 suspects, officials said.In Visakhapatnam, counter-intelligence unit sleuths arrested Annam Sai Varaprasad, a civilian contract driver working with the Navy, for allegedly passing sensitive information about defence establishments to a Pakistan-linked operative. Investigators are examining whether he received money in exchange for the information. Varaprasad was produced before a court and remanded in judicial custody until Oct 14. He was subsequently lodged in Visakhapatnam district jail.In a related incident, a 31-year-old Navy sailor, identified as Pradeep Mukherjee, was arrested from Coimbatore on Saturday. Mukherjee, who joined the Indian Navy in 2014 and was attending a training course in Coimbatore when he was arrested, is accused of leaking classified maritime intelligence to Pakistan-linked operatives after reportedly falling into a honeytrap.He was arrested following a months-long joint operation by the counter-intelligence units of AP and Tamil Nadu police. Mukherjee was brought from Coimbatore on a transit warrant and remanded in judicial custody till Oct 14. He is currently lodged in Vijayawada district jail.The probe against the remaining 16 suspects is continuing. Investigators are scrutinising their digital communications, financial transactions, electronic devices and possible contacts with foreign intelligence operatives as part of a wider counter-intelligence operation.