2006 Naval war room leak case: Trial begins in Delhi court

The trial in the 2006 Naval War Room leak case involving five persons, including three former naval officers and an ex-IAF Wing Commander, today commenced in a Delhi court.
Special CBI Judge J P S Malik, who is conducting an in-camera trial as the matter involves alleged violation of the Official Secrets Act (OSA), recorded the statement of first prosecution witness, a public person.
The witness recorded his deposition and was also cross- examined by the defence counsel. The recording of statements of prosecution witnesses would continue tomorrow.
Former Navy officer Kulbhushan Prashar, former naval commander Vijender Rana, sacked naval commander V K Jha, former IAF Wing Commander Sambha Jee L Surve and arms dealer and Delhi-based businessman Abhishek Verma are facing trial in the case for the offence of criminal conspiracy under the IPC and under various provisions of the OSA.

The court had earlier framed charges after the five accused pleaded not guilty and claimed trial.
The court had on July 31 ordered framing of charges against the accused. The court had said charges of spying by obtaining secret documents, wrongful communication of information and abetment of offences under the OSA have been prima facie made out against them.

"It is held that prima facie offence punishable under section 120B (criminal conspiracy) of the IPC read with section 3 (penalties for spying) and section 5 (wrongful communication etc., of information) and section 9 (attempts, incitements, etc. Of commission of offence) of the OSA, is disclosed against accused Prashar, Surve, Rana, Jha and Verma ....," the court had said.

Prime accused Ravi Shankaran is still absconding and has been declared proclaimed offender by the court.
While Prashar, Surve, Rana and Jha are on bail, Verma is in judicial custody.