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Civilian IAF Staffer Arrested for Spying for Pakistan, Leaked Air Base Secrets

Rajasthan Intelligence, in a major joint operation with Air Force Intelligence, has arrested a civilian staffer from the Chabua Air Force Station for allegedly spying for Pakistan. The accused, Sumit Kumar, is charged with collecting and transmitting sensitive information about defence installations, including aircraft and missile system locations, via social media. Investigations reveal he had been in contact with Pakistani intelligence since 2023 and operated for financial gain. The case, stemming from a January arrest in Jaisalmer, has exposed an active Pakistan-backed espionage network, with further probes underway.

Key Points: IAF Staffer Held in Pakistan-Linked Espionage Case

  • Civilian IAF staffer arrested for espionage
  • Leaked info on fighter jets, missiles to Pakistan
  • Spy network busted in joint operation
  • Accused used social media to transmit data
2 min read

Civilian IAF staffer held in Pakistan-linked espionage case

Rajasthan Intelligence busts spy network, arrests IAF civilian employee for leaking sensitive defence info to Pakistani handlers. Details inside.

"He had been in contact with a Pakistani intelligence agency since 2023 and had been sharing sensitive information in exchange for money. - Investigation Officials"

Jaipur, March 22

In a major counter-espionage operation, the Rajasthan Intelligence has busted an espionage network operating in the country by arresting a civilian employee posted at the Chabua Air Force Station in Assam. The accused was allegedly passing sensitive information related to the Indian Air Force to Pakistani handlers.

According to Additional Director General of Police (Intelligence) Prafulla Kumar, the case originated in January 2026 with the arrest of Jhabararam, a resident of Jaisalmer.

During his questioning and subsequent investigation, the involvement of another suspect, Sumit Kumar, came to light. He was found to be in continuous contact with Pakistani intelligence agencies.

Investigations revealed that Sumit Kumar (36), son of Beni Madhav and a resident of Lahurpar in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, was working as a Multi-Tasking Staff (MTS) at the Chabua Air Force Station in Dibrugarh, Assam.

Misusing his position, he allegedly collected confidential information from the Air Force establishment and transmitted it to Pakistani handlers through social media platforms. Acting in coordination with Air Force Intelligence (New Delhi), Rajasthan Intelligence detained the accused from Chabua and brought him to the Central Interrogation Centre in Jaipur.

During joint interrogation by multiple intelligence agencies, it was revealed that he had been in contact with a Pakistani intelligence agency since 2023 and had been sharing sensitive information in exchange for money.

Further questioning disclosed that the accused had shared crucial details not only about the Chabua Air Force Station but also about other defence installations, including the Nal Air Force Station in Bikaner district.

The leaked information reportedly included locations of fighter aircraft, missile systems, and confidential data related to officers and personnel.

He also assisted Pakistani handlers in creating social media accounts using mobile numbers registered in his own name.

In connection with the case, the accused was formally arrested on Sunday (March 22) at the Special Police Station in Jaipur under relevant provisions of the Official Secrets Act, 1923, and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023.

Officials said the operation has exposed a Pakistan-backed espionage network active in the country, and further investigation is underway.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Since 2023? That's three years of leaking information. It makes you wonder how many more such moles are out there. The damage assessment must be massive. We need stricter monitoring of social media use for anyone associated with defence establishments.
A
Arjun K
While the arrest is good, it also exposes a serious systemic failure. How was a Multi-Tasking Staff member able to access and transmit such crucial data for so long? The internal security protocols clearly need an urgent overhaul. This is a wake-up call.
S
Sarah B
As someone who has family in the forces, this news is terrifying. The locations of aircraft and missiles? This isn't just paperwork, this is directly endangering lives. I hope the investigation is thorough and the punishment under BNS is severe enough to deter others.
V
Vikram M
Chabua is a key base in the east. The fact that info from Assam and Rajasthan was compromised shows the network's reach. Hope the agencies are tracking down all the handlers across the border. Jai Hind!
K
Karthik V
Betrayal of the nation for money is the lowest one can sink. His family in Prayagraj must be feeling the shame. We need more patriotism education, but more importantly, better pay and conditions for such staff so they aren't vulnerable to financial traps.

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