A top scientist working for the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) at Pune has been arrested for providing confidential information to a Pakistani woman agent, according to officials of the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS).

In what has turned out to be a case of a honeytrap, the scientist was allegedly in touch with the Pakistani woman agent through voice messages and video calls on WhatsApp, an ATS official said.

The scientist is reported to have shared a photograph about a missile and its location with the “Pakistani intelligence operative.” He is also alleged to have shared some personal photographs which were used to blackmail him and extract more information.

He 59-year-old scientist has worked on some big DRDO projects and is also the recipient of an outstanding scientist’s award.

“The scientist, by misusing his position, despite knowing that the officials secrets in his possession if obtained by the enemy country can pose a threat to the security of the country, provided the details to the enemy country,” according to an ATS statement issued on Thursday.

An offense under relevant sections of the Official Secrets Act has been registered with Kalachowki unit of the ATS in Mumbai and further investigation is on, it added