LUCKNOW: The Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) arrested an Ordnance Factory employee, identified as Ravindra Kumar, on charges of espionage for allegedly leaking classified information to a Pakistani intelligence handler. He was arrested from ATS headquarters in Lucknow late on Thursday.
According to ATS officials, Kumar, who was employed as a chargeman at the Ordnance Factory in Hazratpur, Firozabad, passed sensitive defence-related documents to a woman identified as “Neha Sharma,” believed to be a Pakistani intelligence operative.
Kumar fell into Sharma’s trap after developing a relationship with her through Facebook in June-July 2024, the ATS said.
Intelligence inputs indicated potential internal and external security risks linked to the leak of sensitive information.
Subsequent electronic and physical surveillance identified the accused as Ravindra Kumar, a chargeman at the Ordnance Factory in Hazratpur, Firozabad.
On March 12, 2025, Ravindra Kumar was summoned for questioning at the ATS field unit in Agra. During interrogation, Kumar initially provided inconsistent responses and attempted to mislead investigators. He later opted to stay overnight for further questioning. The following day, Kumar was brought to the ATS headquarters in Lucknow.
Upon examining his mobile phone — a Redmi Note 9 Pro — officers discovered a WhatsApp chat linked to the contact name Chandan Store Keeper 2. Investigations revealed that this number belonged to a woman named Neha Sharma. Kumar saved her contact under a false name to conceal their communication, the ATS said.
The chat contained sensitive documents, including a Daily Production Report from the Ordnance Factory Hazratpur (2024-25), which detailed information about drones, the Gaganyaan project, and classified observations on store receipts. Additionally, a Confidential Letter related to a screening committee for MACP promotions and a Pending Requisition List for unaccounted stock were also shared via WhatsApp on September 27, 2024, the ATS said.
Further investigation revealed that Kumar also stored a confidential meeting file dated March 10, 2025, which contained details about a logistical drone trial conducted by Ordnance Factory officials and members of the 51 Gorkha Rifles in Dehradun.
During questioning, Kumar admitted that he shared the classified documents but claimed he had no malicious intent. He explained that he saved Neha Sharma’s number under a false identity to prevent his wife and others from discovering their communication.
ATS officials are continuing the investigation to determine the extent of the security breach and possible links to external agencies.
ATS also seized Rs 6,220 in cash, an SBI debit card, two post office debit cards, an Aadhaar card, a voter ID, and a PAN card.
Kumar has been booked under Section 148 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023 and Sections 3/4/5 of the Official Secrets Act, 1923. ATS officials emphasized that Kumar’s actions posed a significant threat to India’s internal and external security.
The investigation revealed that Kumar knowingly engaged in this espionage despite being aware of Sharma’s links to Pakistan’s intelligence agency ISI.
He allegedly transmitted classified information that could endanger national security.
ATS confirmed that Kumar’s arrest and the seizure of materials were conducted following Supreme Court and Human Rights Commission guidelines.
Authorities have informed Kumar’s wife about his arrest, and further investigation is underway.