Overview
- Additional Sessions Judge V. G. Mohite denied Ravi Varma’s bail on February 26, with the order made available this week, citing the gravity of the case and absconding co-accused.
- Prosecutors allege Varma shared the names and locations of Indian Navy ships via WhatsApp with two Pakistani nationals between November 2024 and March 2025 in exchange for money.
- The ATS says he was honey-trapped on social media, provided his bank details, received payments, and visited naval sites while employed by contractor Crasni Technology Pvt Ltd.
- The case is registered under the Official Secrets Act and Section 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, with the court noting a possible punishment of up to 14 years’ imprisonment.
- Varma’s defence claims false implication, says electronic evidence has been seized and a chargesheet filed, and argues further custody is unwarranted.