NEW DELHI – The investigations from the arrested Group Captain of theIndian Air Force who was charged over spying for Pakistani intelligenceAgency has revealed that at least two other officers may have been involvedin the ring.
Investigation into the arrested Officer posted at the Indian Air Forceheadquarters, has revealed that his former colleague was a “mutual friend”of the two women with whom he allegedly shared classified information,police said.
Police added that they are likely to approach the colleague, who isretired. Arun Marwaha (51) was arrested on Wednesday for allegedly sharingclassified information about three new tri-service agencies with the women— believed to be working for a foreign spy agency.
“He was produced before a Delhi court, which sent him to five-day policecustody,” said DCP (Special Cell) Pramod Kushwaha. Sources said theinvestigating team Friday went to the official’s home and seized pen drivesand a hard disk. “They have been sent to the CBI’s forensic lab,” anofficer said.
During questioning, Marwaha is learnt to have told police that he was inThiruvananthapuram on work a few months ago when he was added onFacebook Messenger by one of the women. “He visited her profile and foundhis old colleague was a mutual friend.
They started chatting. One of her friends also sent a request and startedchatting with him. They spoke about two of his Air Force colleagues,” theofficer said. Their role is being probed as well, sources said.
They exchanged numbers and started talking on WhatsApp and Telegram, policesaid. The women also contacted Marwaha via an internet call through VoIP.According to police, Marwaha said he never had a video chat with the womenand that they only exchanged photos.
“He told them he was with the DRDO and was currently working at the IAFheadquarters as Joint Director (operations). They initially asked him fordetails about upcoming paratrooping events.
They also asked about the three new formations — Defence Cyber Agency,Defence Space Agency and a Special Operations Division,” an officer said.
The complainant, Station Security Officer Squadron Leader Rupinder Singh,alleged that Marwaha also leaked a classified document about the upcomingAir Force Exercise, which could help enemies and affect the ‘sovereigntyand integrity of India’. Police said Marwaha deleted all his chats with thewomen.