VELLORE: A 52-year-old retired Army officer was arrested in Vellore for allegedly sharing confidential military information and details about Army equipment with an unidentified woman via WhatsApp, Kaniyambadi police said.According to news agency ANI, Babu, 52, is a native of Keezhvallam village near Kaniyambadi in Vellore district.He served in various divisions of the Indian Army for 28 years before retiring last year with the rank of Captain from the Army’s equipment division.After retirement, he settled in his native village of Keezhvallam.According to preliminary information, the unidentified woman contacted Babu via WhatsApp about a year ago. She allegedly initiated inappropriate conversations before gradually seeking information related to the Indian Army.Babu allegedly shared the requested information with the woman. When he did not know certain details, he reportedly contacted Army offices by phone to obtain the information before passing it on to her. He is suspected of leaking confidential military information and details about Army equipment over the past year.Army officials reportedly grew suspicious of his activities and questioned him in person with the assistance of central intelligence agencies. During the investigation, it allegedly emerged that Babu had been sharing various military-related details with the unidentified woman over the past year.Central intelligence officials detained Babu for questioning the day before yesterday and handed him over to the Vellore Rural Police Station last night.The Vellore Rural Police have registered a case and are conducting further investigations.Investigators are trying to identify the woman who allegedly contacted Babu and obtained confidential information. They are also probing who operated the WhatsApp account and whether any foreign nationals or overseas organisations were involved in the suspected leak.Further investigation is underway.(With agency inputs)
