Karwar: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested two individuals from Uttara Kannada district for allegedly leaking classified information about the Karwar naval base to Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) through a suspected honey trap.
Arrest and Identification
A six-member NIA team, which had arrived in Karwar on Monday, carried out coordinated raids early Tuesday morning. The arrested individuals have been identified as Vetana Tandel from Muduga village and Akshay Naik from Halavalli in Ankola. The duo was allegedly trapped by Pakistani intelligence agents through a Facebook-based honey trap in 2023.
Mode of Espionage and Financial Transactions
According to sources, a female Pakistani agent established contact with the accused on Facebook, luring them into an espionage network. Over several months, Tandel and Naik reportedly provided classified details regarding the Karwar naval base, including ship movements, security arrangements, and internal operational details. They allegedly received financial compensation, with reports indicating that each received Rs 5,000 per month for eight months, totaling Rs 35,000.
Investigation and Evidence
NIA officials have confiscated the accused’s mobile phones, bank statements, and social media communication records, which reportedly establish their continuous interactions with Pakistani handlers. These records include chats, call logs, and financial transactions related to espionage activities.
Surveillance and Previous Interrogation
Before the arrests, the NIA had placed Tandel and Naik under close surveillance. In August 2024, they, along with another individual named Sunil from Todur, were questioned regarding suspected espionage activities. While all three were initially released due to lack of concrete evidence, continuous monitoring led investigators to fresh proof against Tandel and Naik. Sunil, a former contract worker at the Sea Bird naval base canteen, was found to have been targeted by the same honey-trap agent but had reportedly severed contact before any financial transactions occurred, sparing him from arrest.
Legal Proceedings and Further Investigation
After their arrest on Tuesday morning, both accused were presented before a local court and subsequently taken to Visakhapatnam for further questioning. NIA officers are now expanding the investigation, suspecting a larger espionage network. Officials are also coordinating with Sea Bird naval officers to identify other potential security breaches.
Previous Espionage Cases Linked to Karwar Base
This incident marks the second major case of espionage linked to Karwar’s INS Kadamba base. In 2021, the Andhra Pradesh Counter-Intelligence wing had arrested seven Navy personnel for allegedly spying for Pakistan. The current case gained traction following the arrest of an espionage suspect named Deepak in Hyderabad in 2023. His financial transactions led investigators to uncover suspicious activities in the bank accounts of Tandel and Naik, ultimately leading to their arrests.
Significance of INS Kadamba
The INS Kadamba base, also known as Project Sea Bird, is one of India’s most strategic naval installations. Currently the third-largest naval base in the country, it is undergoing an expansion that will make it the largest in the eastern hemisphere. The base serves as the homeport for two of India’s most important aircraft carriers—INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant. Given its strategic importance, the security breach has raised serious concerns within the defense establishment.
More Arrests Expected
NIA sources indicate that further arrests could be made as the probe deepens. Authorities believe that other individuals may have been involved in facilitating the transmission of sensitive information to Pakistan. The investigation is ongoing, with efforts being made to tighten security and prevent future breaches.