Indian Air Force Staff Member Arrested for Alleged Espionage

A civilian staff member at an Indian Air Force facility in Assam has been apprehended for allegedly spying and providing sensitive information to contacts in Pakistan, according to the Rajasthan Intelligence department. The arrest was announced on March 22, 2026, following a collaborative operation involving Air Force Intelligence.

According to Prafull Kumar, the Additional Director General of Police for Intelligence, the investigation began earlier this year with the capture of a suspect in Jaisalmer. This led to the identification of Sumit Kumar, a 36-year-old multi-tasking staff member currently stationed at the Air Force Station in Chabua, Dibrugarh, Assam.

Further inquiries revealed that Sumit Kumar had been in contact with Pakistani intelligence operatives since 2023. Officials reported that he was allegedly exchanging confidential information for financial compensation. Specific details purportedly shared include sensitive data pertaining to Air Force installations, locations of fighter jets, missile systems, and personnel information, which he communicated through social media platforms.

Following his arrest, Kumar was transported to Jaipur for questioning at a central interrogation facility, where he is subject to joint interrogation by multiple agencies. A case has been initiated under the Official Secrets Act of 1923, alongside relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, as authorities work to expose a broader espionage network.

Officials are continuing their investigation to ascertain the full extent of the espionage activities and any additional individuals who may be involved in the case. The situation has raised concerns regarding security and the safeguarding of sensitive military information, highlighting the ongoing threats to national security in the region.