ISLAMABAD: In a stunning counter-espionage operation that has sent shockwaves through Indian defence circles, a civilian staffer of the Indian Air Force was arrested on March 22, 2026, for allegedly leaking highly sensitive military secrets to Pakistani intelligence handlers continuously since 2023.
The accused, Sumit Kumar, a 36-year-old Multi-Tasking Staff employee, misused his access at Chabua Air Force Station in Assam to gather and transmit critical data.
According to Rajasthan Intelligence officials, Kumar passed precise locations of fighter aircraft, missile systems and confidential details about officers and personnel from two major bases.
The leaks covered Chabua Air Force Station in Dibrugarh, Assam, and Nal Air Force Station in Bikaner, Rajasthan.
This compromised India’s aerial defences on both eastern and western fronts.
Investigations reveal Kumar had been in regular contact with Pakistani handlers via social media platforms since 2023.
He received monetary payments in exchange for the classified information.
Kumar even assisted his handlers by creating fake social media accounts using mobile numbers registered in his own name.
The case surfaced during questioning of another suspect, Jhabararam, arrested in Jaisalmer in January 2026.
That probe exposed a wider Pakistan-backed espionage network operating across multiple Indian states.
Rajasthan Intelligence, in coordination with Air Force Intelligence in New Delhi, detained Kumar from Chabua and brought him to Jaipur’s Central Interrogation Centre.
He was formally arrested at the Special Police Station in Jaipur under the Official Secrets Act of 1923 and relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.
Indian media reports, including those from IANS, confirm the leaks involved strategically vital data that could endanger national security.
The operation highlights how even low-level civilian staff at sensitive installations have become targets for foreign intelligence agencies.
Such espionage attempts have surged in border states like Rajasthan, with several high-profile arrests recorded in recent months alone.
Defence experts warn that sharing aircraft and missile positions could allow adversaries to plan precise strikes or surveillance operations.
Kumar, originally from Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh, held a seemingly minor role but enjoyed unrestricted movement within the air base.
This access proved enough to collect and forward data on fighter jet deployments and missile battery locations.
The timeline spans over three years, indicating a deep and sustained infiltration.
Probes are now underway to determine the full extent of the damage and identify any additional accomplices in the network.
Indian authorities have described the arrest as a major breakthrough in dismantling Pakistan-linked spy rings.
Similar cases in the past year involved honeytrap operations and financial inducements targeting defence personnel and civilians.
The use of everyday social media tools for transmitting secrets has emerged as a common tactic in these operations.
Security analysts note that the involvement of two key air bases, one in the east near China borders and one in the west near Pakistan, amplifies the strategic risk.
Chabua hosts advanced fighter squadrons while Nal supports missile and air defence systems.
Leaking officer details alongside hardware positions could further aid in targeted intelligence gathering.
Rajasthan Intelligence chief officials have confirmed the accused acted purely for monetary gains without ideological motives.
Further interrogation is expected to reveal exact amounts transferred and the specific handlers involved.
This development comes amid heightened India-Pakistan tensions and ongoing border vigilance.
The arrest underscores the need for stricter vetting and monitoring of civilian staff at military installations across India.
National security agencies continue to track digital footprints to prevent similar breaches in the future.
As investigations deepen, the case serves as a stark reminder of persistent external threats to India’s defence infrastructure.