A serious security breach has surfaced surrounding the naval installations in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, where confidential defense secrets were allegedly leaked to operatives connected to Pakistan through social media channels. The ongoing investigation points toward a well-orchestrated digital entrapment campaign reminiscent of past catfish operations.
The Social Media Trap
According to investigators, a mysterious female profile operating under the alias 'Angel Payal' acted as the linchpin for the operation. Utilizing a fabricated Facebook identity, the account successfully bridged two separate individuals associated with the naval ecosystem and steered them toward transmitting restricted defense information. The persona claimed employment at a Dubai-based shipping corporation that managed global logistics for marine crews, thereby building trust with the targets.
Two More Arrests Made
Escalating its crackdown, the Andhra Pradesh Counter Intelligence Cell apprehended two additional suspects. The newly arrested individuals are identified as Bongu Ravi (30) and Kadari Srinivas (31), both employed by TD Engineering Company and previously linked to the Visakhapatnam Naval Dockyard. With these latest detentions, the total number of individuals in custody for this conspiracy has climbed to four.
Return from Abroad and Apprehension
Kadari Srinivas had traveled to Saudi Arabia during the first week of October, prompting local authorities to coordinate efforts for his repatriation. Yielding to pressure, he arrived at New Delhi on October 11, where officers from the Visakhapatnam City Police and the Counter Intelligence Cell were waiting at the airport to take him into custody before transferring him back to Andhra Pradesh.
Earlier on October 6, the Counter Intelligence Cell had executed a major breakthrough by dismantling a module channeling sensitive military information to Pakistani intelligence operatives. However, authorities note that the network still encompasses roughly 18 suspects, with at least 13 reportedly having ties to the navy.
Operation Firewall 2026
The broader investigative push has been designated as 'Operation Firewall-2026', which commenced on October 1. As part of this initiative, 12 specialized teams were deployed across 10 states and union territories, encompassing Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Gujarat, Goa, Delhi, Tamil Nadu, Chhattisgarh, and Bihar.
Investigators allege that Pakistani handlers leverage fabricated online profiles to befriend civilian personnel working around naval facilities, subsequently exploiting them through financial incentives or pressure tactics.
Legal Proceedings and Prior Detentions
The legal framework surrounding the case includes an initial FIR registered on September 2 at the Counter Intelligence Police Station in Vijayawada, followed by a second FIR lodged on October 12 at the Malkapuram Police Station in Visakhapatnam under the Official Secrets Act. A charge sheet against the primary suspects was filed on the same day.
Prior to these latest developments, investigators had taken Pradeep Mukherjee into custody for allegedly sharing OTPs to activate WhatsApp accounts for handlers, alongside Annam Sai Varaprasad, a contracted driver for naval officers who traded information for money. Both had been remanded to judicial custody by a Vijayawada court until October 14.
