New Delhi: A civilian employee of the Indian Air Force (IAF) was arrested for allegedly passing on sensitive information to Pakistan. The 36-year-old was posted
at an Air Force station in Assam and was working as a multi-tasking staff.
The arrest happened after a joint operation of the Rajasthan Intelligence and the IAF intelligence unit, which also led to the revelation of a larger espionage network.
Civilian staffer was passing sensitive information to Pakistan since 2023
The civilian staffer who was arrested has been identified as Sumit Kumar, a resident of Prayagraj. The man was working as a multi-tasking staff at the air force station in Assam’s Chabua.
According to a report in the Times of India, investigators found that Kumar had been in contact with Pakistani handlers since 2023. He was reportedly sharing sensitive and confidential information with them in return for money, they said.
The man’s name emerged during questioning of Jhabraram, who was arrested earlier in January. The Jaisalmer resident, also arrested on charges of spying for Pakistan, revealed the name of Sumit Kumar. It was after this that the intelligence agencies placed Kumar under surveillance.
The man reportedly misused his position to gain access to sensitive areas at the Chabua air base and passed on information to Pakistani handlers. He reportedly told them about aircraft positions, fighter aircraft deployment, missiles and also about the officers deployed at the Chabua Air Force Station and the Air Force Station in Nal, Bikaner.
The man also helped his Pakistani handlers get Indian mobile connection. This helped them in communication. The mobile numbers were all registered in the name of Sumit Kumar and helped in covert communication, said investigators.
Man being questioned in Jaipur
Following confirmation of Kumar’s involvement in espionage activity, the Rajasthan Intelligence team in coordination with the Air Force Intelligence team arrested him from Chabua air base. He was detained and brought to Jaipur’s Central Interrogation Centre for questioning.
After multiple rounds of questioning by different agencies, he was arrested. The man has been charged under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and also under the Officials Secrets Act, 1923.
Officials described the arrest as a “significant breakthrough”. They said that this was an important step in tackling the larger Pakistan-backed espionage network which targets India’s defence installations.
