In a significant counter-espionage operation, Rajasthan Intelligence has dismantled an espionage network within the country. The network involved a civilian employee stationed at the Chabua Air Force Station in Assam who was arrested for allegedly sharing sensitive Indian Air Force (IAF) information with Pakistani handlers.
The case began in January 2026 with the apprehension of Jhabararam, a Jaisalmer resident. Subsequent investigations uncovered the involvement of another suspect, Sumit Kumar, who was discovered to be in regular communication with Pakistani intelligence agencies.
Sumit Kumar, a 36-year-old resident of Lahurpar in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, and son of Beni Madhav, worked as a Multi-Tasking Staff (MTS) at the Chabua Air Force Station in Dibrugarh, Assam. Exploiting his position, he allegedly gathered confidential data from the Air Force establishment and transmitted it to Pakistani contacts through social media platforms.
Coordinating with Air Force Intelligence in New Delhi, Rajasthan Intelligence apprehended the accused at Chabua and transferred him to the Central Interrogation Centre in Jaipur for questioning.
Joint interrogations by various intelligence agencies revealed that Sumit Kumar had been in contact with a Pakistani intelligence agency since 2023, exchanging sensitive information for monetary gain. Further inquiries unveiled that he divulged critical details not only about Chabua Air Force Station but also about other defense installations, including the Nal Air Force Station in Bikaner district.
The leaked information encompassed the locations of fighter aircraft, missile systems, and confidential details concerning officers and personnel. Additionally, he aided Pakistani handlers in creating social media accounts using mobile numbers registered under his name.
The accused was formally arrested on Sunday at the Special Police Station in Jaipur under relevant provisions of the Official Secrets Act, 1923, and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023. Officials stated that the operation has exposed a Pakistan-backed espionage network operating in the country, with ongoing investigations.
