In a major counter-espionage operation, Rajasthan’s Intelligence wing has uncovered a suspected spy network operating within India, leading to the arrest of a staff member posted at an Indian Air Force (IAF) station in Assam for allegedly passing sensitive information to Pakistan.
The accused, identified as Sumit Kumar (36), was apprehended on Sunday from the Air Force Station in Chabua, located in Assam’s Dibrugarh district. He has been booked under provisions of the Official Secrets Act, 1923, and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023.
According to Rajasthan Additional Director General of Police (Intelligence) Prafulla Kumar, the case traces back to January this year, when a Rajasthan Intelligence operation led to the arrest of one Jhabararam, a resident of Jaisalmer. During interrogation, investigators uncovered links pointing to Sumit, who was allegedly in continuous contact with Pakistani intelligence operatives.
Officials revealed that Sumit, originally from Lahurpar in Uttar Pradesh’s Prayagraj district, was employed as a Multi-Tasking Staff (MTS) at the Chabua Air Force Station. He is accused of collecting confidential information related to the base and transmitting it to handlers in Pakistan through social media platforms.
A joint operation involving Rajasthan Police’s Intelligence Branch and Air Force Intelligence (New Delhi) resulted in Sumit;s arrest at the Chabua base.
During interrogation by multiple intelligence agencies, Sumit reportedly confessed to being in contact with Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) since 2023. He allegedly shared classified details in exchange for money.
Investigators said the leaked information included sensitive data such as the locations of fighter aircraft, details of missile systems, and confidential records of officers and personnel. Apart from Chabua, Sumit is also accused of sharing information related to other strategic installations, including the Air Force Station in Nal, Bikaner.
Authorities further revealed that the accused assisted Pakistani handlers in creating social media accounts using mobile numbers registered in his own name, facilitating covert communication.
The investigation is ongoing, with officials probing the extent of the network and potential involvement of other individuals.
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