The arrest of a Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) guest house manager in Rajasthan has exposed a serious breach of India&rsquo;s defence security network, with investigators alleging that sensitive military information was funnelled to Pakistan&rsquo;s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).
According to Rajasthan Police, Mahendra Prasad, a resident of Palyun in Almora, Uttarakhand, was taken into custody in Jaisalmer after intelligence surveillance revealed his alleged links with Pakistani handlers. The 35-year-old was employed on contract as the manager of DRDO&rsquo;s guest house near the Chandan Field Firing Range &mdash; a key site for missile and weapons testing by the Indian Army and DRDO scientists.
Inspector General of Police, CID (Security), Dr Vishnukant, stated that the arrest followed heightened monitoring ahead of state-level Independence Day celebrations. &ldquo;Our teams were on alert for possible anti-national activities. During this, it came to light that the suspect was in contact with Pakistan&rsquo;s intelligence operatives and had been transmitting confidential information through social media,&rdquo; he said.
Sources in the investigation suggest that the leaked data included the movement schedules of DRDO scientists and senior Indian Army officers visiting the firing range for classified trials. Prasad&rsquo;s mobile phone was seized and subjected to forensic analysis, allegedly confirming the transmission of sensitive defence-related material to foreign agents.
The suspect underwent joint interrogation at the Central Interrogation Centre in Jaipur, involving multiple intelligence agencies. Police are now probing the depth of the breach and whether others were part of the espionage network.
Prasad is expected to be presented before court on Wednesday, where investigators will seek his remand for further questioning. Officials emphasise that uncovering the full extent of the security compromise remains a priority in the ongoing probe.

DRDO manager Mahendra Prasad in police custody

DRDO guest house manager in Rajasthan held for spying, leaking secrets to Pakistan’s ISI

DRDO Guest House Manager Held for Espionage

DRDO guest house manager in Rajasthan held for spying, leaking secrets to Pakistan’s ISI

August 13, 2025 | 09:40 IST