Thiruvananthapuram, Nov 12 (UNI) A scientist who is said to be currently working on Gaganyaan, India’s first human space mission, has alleged that he was approached by a person having Dubai-links and offered a lot of money in exchange for confidential information from ISRO.
In the shocking revelation, Praveen Maurya, the rocket scientist at Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, ISRO, also alleged that he was approached by the spies with the support of Kerala Police, to carry out the episonage.
The senior scientist tweeted from his handle (@praveen_isro) and said: "I was approached by spies to carry out #espionage.
"It was done in collusion with Kerala Police.
"Written multiple letters from Chairman #ISRO to Prime Minister but no action. Need an Intelligence inquiry. Kindly help. @PMOIndia @isro @narendramodi."
He also alleged that he was facing harassment from the local police in connection with drug trafficking aiming to trap him in false cases.
The scientist tweeted: "They alleged, I was selling weed (Ganja). How on earth a rocket scientist starts selling drugs to unknown minor girl at night 10:30 pm. I am there in Kerala for the last 12 years. Kerala police couldn't find any evidence of drugs with me. Need Justice!."
Sharing a link to the copy of the letter shared on Linkedin, which he sent to top authorities, he tweeted: "I never wanted to make it Public. Before making it public, wrote a frustrated warning letter to Chairman, ISRO on 5th Nov. 2022.
"Waited for 4 days, no response, then this step. 1st page of that letter is attached. Will release the complete letter at the Right time."
His letter on linkedin.com, where heas 6,000 followers and over 500 connections, was shared three days back read: "I was approached by spies for carrying out espionage. They promised me huge money in exchange for working as per the command of some people in Dubai. When I blatantly refused and threatened them to never approach me again, they put false police cases on me.
"Now they offered me to work for them in exchange for taking back the case. Local police and some people from my office were helping them to execute their plan.
"All I want is an intelligence enquiry into this matter. I have written letters regarding the same to Chairman, ISRO, Home Minister and Prime minister. The department of space is simply disposing of my letters with the absurd reason, “It is a staff grievance.”
"The real reason for the denial of intelligence enquiry by the Department of Space is: -
Ø As some senior ISRO officers were helping the spies to execute their plan. So, the entire racket of these anti-national officers present in ISRO will come under the scanner of intelligence bureau.
Ø Officers from the Police department will also be under IB scanner.
Ø One of the senior officers in ISRO who is the main player is the relative of a former chairman of ISRO.
"If intelligence enquiry is approved, he will surely come under the scanner.
"A letter written to the Prime Minister along with the absurd replies by the Secretary, Department of Space is attached here.
"In the hope for Prime Minister to take notice and approve an Intelligence enquiry.
"PS: IB is ready for an enquiry. All they need is an official request from the Department of Space which they are not giving for the reasons mentioned above. #isro #espionage #spy".
His linkedin bio showed he studied Bachelor of Technology (BTech) Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering at the Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST) from 2009 - 2013. His native language is Bhojpuri.
He received Best Presentation Award at Indian Institute of Remote Sensing, Dehradun in August 2016
for the science awareness lecture titled "Shock Tunnel: Boon from Bane".
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