A quiet arrest in Rajasthan has unravelled a wider espionage network, linking an Air Force employee to Pakistani handlers. Investigators say the trail began months ago and may reach deeper than first believed.
A civilian employee at an Indian Air Force station has been arrested for allegedly passing sensitive military information to Pakistani handlers, in a case that investigators say has exposed a wider espionage network operating across India.
The arrest, carried out by Rajasthan Intelligence, follows months of investigation that began with a separate detention earlier this year.
Additional Director General of Police Intelligence Prafull Kumar said the case traces back to January 2026, when Jhabara Ram, a resident of Jaisalmer, was taken into custody.
During questioning, Ram revealed links to another suspect who was in regular contact with Pakistani intelligence agencies. That trail led investigators to Sumit Kumar.
ACCUSED POSTED AT AIR FORCE STATION IN ASSAM
Sumit Kumar, 36, originally from Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh, was working as a Multi-Tasking Staff member at Air Force Station Chabua in Assam’s Dibrugarh district.
Investigators say he used his position to access and pass on confidential information related to the Indian Air Force. The data was allegedly shared with Pakistani handlers through social media platforms.
JOINT OPERATION LEADS TO ARREST
In a coordinated operation, Rajasthan Intelligence and Air Force Intelligence detained Kumar from Chabua and brought him to Jaipur for questioning.
Officials said, “The accused had been in contact with Pakistani intelligence since 2023 and was sharing sensitive information in exchange for money.”
SENSITIVE DEFENCE DETAILS LEAKED
Interrogation revealed that Kumar allegedly shared critical details about Air Force installations, including Air Force Station Chabua and Air Force Station Nal in Bikaner.
The information included locations of fighter aircraft and missile systems, along with confidential details about officers and personnel.
Investigators also found that he helped create social media accounts for Pakistani handlers using mobile numbers issued in his name.
