Mishra, who retired from his roles at BrahMos Aerospace on November 30, 2021, is alleged to have improperly handled sensitive documents, triggering a severe investigation into breaches of security protocols at the defence firm.
Written by Huma Siddiqui Financial Express Online
Updated: May 3, 2024 16:39 IST
In a developing story that has sent shockwaves through India’s defence community, Sudhir Mishra, a former Director General of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of BrahMos Aerospace Private Limited, is under intense scrutiny. Mishra, who retired from his roles at BrahMos Aerospace on November 30, 2021, is alleged to have improperly handled sensitive documents, triggering a severe investigation into breaches of security protocols at the defence firm.
The DRDO Vigilance Department initiated an investigation after discovering that Mishra returned about three dozen files, including documents classified as ‘CONFIDENTIAL’, on December 28, 2021. This return prompted a deeper look into the security measures at BrahMos, uncovering a critical lapse: a 15-day gap in the CCTV surveillance records, which has significantly hampered the probe.
Further scrutiny revealed a more disturbing oversight—a failure to maintain a mandatory 90-day backup of CCTV footage per the Ministry of Defence (MoD) guidelines. This deficiency has severely limited the investigation committee’s ability to conduct a thorough audit of the security protocols and trace past breaches effectively.
In the wake of these findings, Lieutenant Colonel RS Suri (Retd), the Chief General Manager (CGM) responsible for data security, document handling, and outgoing materials at BrahMos Aerospace, has been transferred. This move came after it was discovered that the facility’s CCTV systems were malfunctioning.
Amid these security lapses, the investigation also noted several undocumented removals of materials from the BrahMos headquarters and its guest house during late November and early December 2021. These removals were facilitated by Big Logistics India Pvt Ltd, which was responsible for packing and transporting items from Mishra’s office.
Documentation accessed by this correspondent from the logistics company detailed the items moved, which included 20 wall paintings, several books, documents, an undisclosed number of medals, about 100 bottles of alcohol, and various gift items. These were transported over four days in 40 cartons of varying sizes.
Sudhir Mishra is a prominent figure in India’s defence sector. He has held significant roles on defence committees such as the Indo-Israel Management Committee (I2MC) and the Indo-Russia Inter-Governmental Committee (IRIGC). His accolades include receiving the DRDO’s ‘Scientist of the Year’ award in 2010 for his significant contributions.
These developments raise critical questions about the potential motives behind Mishra’s actions and the destination of the sensitive documents he had in his possession. As the saga continues, it goes on to reveal the extent and impact of what appears to be a grave security lapse in a sensitive
DRDO Responds to Financial Express Online Query Related to the investigation
In response to these allegations, a DRDO spokesperson stated, “DRDO had received a complaint against Dr Sudhir Kumar Mishra, Ex CEO & MD of BrahMos Aerospace. Based upon the complaint, a Fact-Finding Inquiry Committee was formed by the Secretary DDR&D and Chairman DRDO.”
“However, the committee didn’t find any evidence to back the allegation levied,” the Directorate of Public Interface (DPI) of DRDO stated to Financial Express Online.
Responding to Financial Express Online, here is what Dr Sudhir Mishra said
Dr Mishra stated that the allegations are purely a result of vested interests, terming them as opinionated imagination and illogical. He highlighted that he had already been superannuated in November 2021 and that the allegation that classified documents had left the government premises reflects poorly on the accusers.
He further clarified that he only removed items that were personal belongings, such as souvenirs and honorary degrees received during his tenure as BrahMos chief. He assured that no items belonging to BrahMos Aerospace were taken and even mentioned that he had paid for the mobile phones used.
Lastly, Dr. Mishra reiterated that a high-level committee of DRDO had already investigated the matter. He provided clarifications, and other officials present shared their views. The committee, after careful consideration, has unequivocally termed these allegations as baseless, maliciously motivated, and misleading.
Certain sources defending Mishra’s claims highlighted that the DRDO was about to issue an appointment letter to Dr Mishra for a consultative advisory post of Dr Rajaramana, Chair in the DRDO, triggering false allegations.
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