Gag order on def scientists
■ DRDO ask them not to share details; ISI used LinkedIn to reach arrested techie
The headquarters of the Defence Research and Development Organisation has cautioned its scientists across all laboratories not to reveal their identity or designation on any social platform, not even on matrimonial sites or wedding cards.
An investigation by the Anti Terrorist Squad (ATS) in the arrest of Nishant Aggarwal, an engineer with BrahMos Aerospace revealed that he was contacted by the Pakistan Inter-Intelligence Service (ISI) through his LinkedIn profile (a network of professionals) and was enticed with a high paying job offer for which details of his work were required.
Mr Aggarwal had disclosed his role at the DRDO in his profile. There are reportedly 1,000 Indian scientists on the radar of Pakistan’s ISI.
Following this specific input, an official circular issued by the office of Director of Vigilance — ministry of defence and DRDO, cautioning scientists to conceal their identity on all platforms. Also, scientists on contract with the DRDO labs have been asked to give an undertaking that they will not disclose details of sensitive projects even after they quit.
A source said, “Scientist carrying CDs, pen-drives and cell phones or any media that can help transfer information has been banned inside the labs. There is a stiff vigil on officials carrying sensitive documents; the movement of each document is now registered in the record after it is signed by the Lab director or project head.”
“Circulars have been issued from the Headquarters directing scientists not to divulge details about projects and to conceal their identity. An eye is being kept on who they speak to offline and online. Officials who intend to quit DRDO labs should not leak information on the projects,” the source added. The ATS investigating the case found that Nishant Aggarwal who worked for a brief period in the Hyderabad BrahMos Aerospace facility, shared the blueprint of the missile project with the Pakistanis.
He had saved information on his laptop which included secret documents that he had accessed from the Hyderabad lab.
When he clicked on the link he was given, a malware was downloaded in his computer through which the information was stolen.