IAF civilian staffer held in Assam for leaking defence info to Pakistan

JAIPUR: A 36-year-old civilian employee posted at an Air Force station in Assam was arrested Sunday for allegedly passing sensitive military information to Pakistan-based handlers, in what officials said was a joint Rajasthan Intelligence-Air Force Intelligence operation that exposed a wider espionage network.

The accused, Sumit Kumar, a resident of Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh, was working as Multi-Tasking Staff at Air Force Station Chabua in Assam.

Investigators said he had been in contact with Pakistani intelligence operatives since 2023 and was allegedly sharing confidential information for money.

The case dates back to Jan, when Rajasthan Intelligence arrested Jaisalmer resident Jhabraram.

During interrogation, Kumar's name emerged as a key link in the network, after which agencies placed him under surveillance.

Officials said Kumar allegedly misused his position to access and pass on sensitive information related to Air Force operations, including details of fighter aircraft deployment, missile systems, and information on officers and personnel at Air Force Station Chabua and Air Force Station Nal in Bikaner.

Investigators also found that he allegedly helped Pakistani handlers create social media accounts using mobile numbers registered in his name, allowing covert communication.

On confirmed inputs, Rajasthan Intelligence, in coordination with Air Force Intelligence, detained Kumar from Chabua and brought him to Jaipur's Central Interrogation Centre for questioning.

After joint interrogation by multiple agencies, he was formally arrested under the Official Secrets Act, 1923, and relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

Officials described the operation as "a significant breakthrough", saying it pointed to a broader Pakistan-backed espionage network targeting defence installations across the country. Further investigation is underway to identify other links and handlers involved.