Dibrugarh: A civilian employee posted at the Indian Air Force (IAF) station in Chabua, Assam, has been arrested on charges of allegedly spying for Pakistani intelligence operatives and leaking sensitive military information.
The accused, identified as Sumit Kumar (36), a resident of Uttar Pradesh, was working as a Multi-Tasking Staff (MTS) at the Chabua Air Force Station in Dibrugarh district. The arrest was carried out in a joint operation by Rajasthan Intelligence and Air Force Intelligence.
Officials said the case has its origins in an earlier arrest made in Jaisalmer in January this year, which led investigators to Kumar. During questioning, he is alleged to have admitted to being in contact with Pakistani intelligence operatives since 2023.
Investigators suspect that over this period, he collected and passed on sensitive information related to military installations, including details on the deployment of fighter aircraft, missile systems and personnel. The information was allegedly transmitted through social media platforms in exchange for money.
Following his arrest, Kumar was taken to Jaipur for further interrogation at a central facility, where multiple agencies are examining the extent of the alleged espionage network and possible links to other individuals.
A case has been registered under the Official Secrets Act, 1923, along with relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Officials said the investigation is ongoing and the full extent of the breach is being assessed.
The Chabua Air Force Station is considered strategically significant, given its proximity to India’s eastern frontiers near China and Myanmar. The alleged security breach has raised concerns within defence and intelligence establishments.
Authorities indicated that further developments are expected as the probe progresses and efforts continue to map the wider network.