In a major breakthrough, Rajasthan Police have arrested a civilian employee of the Indian Air Force for allegedly spying and passing sensitive information to Pakistan. The accused was working at the Air Force Station in Chabua, Assam, and is suspected to be part of a wider espionage network.
Probe began with earlier arrest
According to officials, the case traces back to January this year when Jhabararam, a resident of Jaisalmer, was arrested. His interrogation led investigators to another suspect.
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Prafulla Kumar, Additional Director General of Police (Intelligence), said the name of Sumit Kumar surfaced during questioning, and he was found to be in regular contact with Pakistani intelligence agencies, reported Deccan Chronicle.
Accused held from Assam
Sumit Kumar (36), employed as a Multi-Tasking Staff (MTS) at the Chabua Air Force Station in Dibrugarh, was detained in a joint operation involving Rajasthan Intelligence and Air Force Intelligence teams.
He was brought to Jaipur and questioned at the Central Interrogation Centre. During interrogation, officials found that he had been in touch with a Pakistani intelligence agency since 2023 and had allegedly shared sensitive information in return for money.
Sensitive military details leaked
Investigators said the accused misused his position to access confidential information related to the Air Force. The data he allegedly shared included details about the Chabua Air Force Station as well as other installations.
These reportedly involved information on locations of fighter aircraft, missile systems, and confidential data concerning officers and personnel. Authorities also found that he had shared information linked to the Air Force Station in Nal, located in Rajasthan's Bikaner district.
Additionally, he is accused of assisting handlers in creating social media accounts using mobile numbers registered in his name.
Arrest and ongoing investigation
The accused was formally arrested on March 22 at the Special Police Station in Jaipur under provisions of the Official Secrets Act, 1923, and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023.
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Officials said the case has exposed a significant Pakistan-backed espionage network, and further investigation is currently underway.
