In a dramatic turn of events echoing the intensity of a digital thriller, the Karnataka High Court has stepped in to unravel the threads of a suspected high-stakes data breach at NewSpace Research and Technologies, a firm at the forefront of India’s drone innovation landscape.
Following grave allegations that former employees of the company unlawfully extracted confidential data and went on to form a rival entity, an act believed to endanger national interests, the High Court has appointed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to take over the probe.
The SIT will now be spearheaded by DGP Pranab Mohanty, with IPS officers Bhushan Gulab Rao Borase and Nisha James joining him to navigate this complex investigation, which blends elements of cybercrime, corporate betrayal, and national security.
“The subject crime has the colour of cyber espionage. Investigations into such crimes demand not merely procedural competence but an amalgamation of technical expertise and forensic acumen…” said Justice M Nagaprasanna.
Justice M Nagaprasanna, who passed the order, has instructed the state government to immediately hand over the case to the SIT, setting a clear deadline. A comprehensive report must be filed within three months.
The petition was filed by NewSpace, which raised the alarm over what it described as a deliberate theft of critical UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) data, now potentially in unauthorized hands. The company serves strategic defense clients including the Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, BEL, HAL, and DRDO, making the breach especially sensitive.
The government’s counsel tried to reassure the court that a new officer was already investigating the case, as the previous one was caught in a corruption case. The court, however, wasn’t convinced. Justice Nagaprasanna also questioned the handling of the case, expressing disbelief over the “paper arrest” of Prabhat Sharma, the former vice-president of NewSpace. The judge noted that Sharma’s mere appearance before the officer, rather than proper custodial interrogation, made the investigation look superficial.
He firmly asserted, “I have no manner of doubt that an ordinary probe would amount to a miscarriage of justice.”
This move marks a pivotal moment in India’s growing battle against cyber espionage, especially in sectors tied deeply to national defense. With the SIT now on the job, the investigation enters a new phase, one expected to untangle the hidden truths behind this digital heist.
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