Indian navy espionage case: NIA secures conviction of 2 accused

On 15 December 2025, in a long-standing espionage case, the National Investigation Agency convicted two more accused of spying for Pakistan’s Intelligence services and leaking information about key Indian Naval establishments.

The two accused, Somnath Sanjay Ikade from Ahmednagar, Maharashtra, and Sonu Kumar from Hathras, Uttar Pradesh, were arrested in December 2019 in Karwar, Karnataka, and Visakhapatnam, respectively. They have been convicted and sentenced to 5 years, 11 months, and 15 days of simple imprisonment, along with a fine of Rs. 5,000, which could lead to an additional year of imprisonment if unpaid.

In June 2020, a chargesheet was filed accusing 14 individuals of Pakistan-linked spying, and another supplementary chargesheet was filed in March 2021 against one more accused. The group included Naval officers and civilians who conducted espionage after being honey-trapped and in exchange for money. The conviction of Ikade and Kumar brings the total convictions to 10 out of 15 accused.

The espionage network was uncovered in December 2019, and the Counter-Intelligence Cell of Andhra Pradesh registered a case on 12 January 2021. The case was filed under Section 120B (criminal conspiracy), Section 121A (conspiring to commit offences against the State) of the Indian Penal Code, Sections 17 and 18 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), and relevant sections of the Official Secrets Act.

Also read: Avoid delays, act responsibly: Vizag Collector on PGRS complaints

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