Compromise of India’s PMO and Defence Ministry: Coomar Narain’s network exposed sensitive information from India’s highest echelons.
Strained Relations: The scandal affected diplomatic ties with key allies including France and the Soviet Union.
Decades-Long Espionage Operation: The arrests revealed a long-standing operation involving high-ranking officials and foreign agents.
In 1985, India was rocked by one of its most severe espionage scandals, known as the Coomar Narain Case. This scandal not only revealed the vulnerabilities within India’s national security but also caused significant diplomatic rifts with major global powers.
The Beginning of the Scandal
The Coomar Narain scandal began in January 1985 when India’s Intelligence Bureau (IB) launched a covert surveillance operation targeting civil servants suspected of leaking sensitive information to foreign powers. France and the Soviet Union, in particular, were eager to obtain critical defense data as they vied for lucrative defense contracts.
On January 16, 1985, the IB made a breakthrough in their investigation. Pookat Gopalan, a staff member at the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), and Coomar Narain, a prominent businessman in New Delhi, were apprehended. Gopalan was caught in the act of passing confidential PMO documents to Narain. The ensuing investigation uncovered a broad network involving over a dozen officials from both the PMO and the Defence Ministry who were involved in selling secrets to Narain. The scandal revealed that even the office of PC Alexander, Principal Secretary to Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, had been compromised.
The Deep Roots of Espionage
Coomar Narain’s espionage activities had roots stretching back to the 1970s. Initially employed by SLM Maneklal, a Mumbai-based trading firm, Narain used bribery to obtain sensitive information. His operations began modestly, with minor officials accepting money and liquor in exchange for classified details. However, Narain’s network soon expanded significantly, leveraging his connections within India’s Foreign and Commerce Ministries to gain access to crucial state secrets.
One of Narain’s key assets was TN Kher, the Private Secretary to PC Alexander. Kher’s position provided access to top-secret national security and defense information, making him a central figure in Narain’s espionage network. Other informants were embedded within the PMO, Rashtrapati Bhavan, the Defence Ministry, and the Finance Ministry, further enhancing the breadth of Narain’s operations.
An International Web of Espionage
By the 1970s, Narain’s network had grown into a sophisticated international operation. The information traded included sensitive details about India’s nuclear energy program, military strategies, and defense procurement. Compromised documents from the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) and the IB included reports on Pakistan, China, and internal security issues. Narain’s network supplied this intelligence to several foreign nations, including communist countries such as Poland, East Germany, and the Soviet Union’s KGB.
The scandal’s revelations had far-reaching consequences. It not only exposed significant gaps in India’s national security but also led to strained diplomatic relations with key allies. The impact on international relations was profound, as the scandal undermined trust and raised concerns about India’s ability to safeguard its classified information.
Conclusion
The Coomar Narain Case stands as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities in national security and the potential for high-level espionage to affect international relations. The scandal highlighted the need for rigorous security measures and oversight within government agencies to prevent the breach of sensitive information. It also underscored the importance of maintaining robust diplomatic relations and addressing any issues that could undermine trust between nations.
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