A civilian employee posted at an Indian Air Force (IAF) station in Assam has been arrested on charges of espionage, in a development that has raised fresh concerns about internal security and intelligence breaches.

The accused, identified as Sumit Kumar (36), a resident of Uttar Pradesh, was working as a Multi-Tasking Staff (MTS) at the Air Force Station in Chabua, located in Assam’s Dibrugarh district. He was apprehended in a joint operation carried out by Rajasthan Intelligence and Air Force Intelligence, following a multi-layered investigation that began earlier this year.

The case first surfaced in January 2026, when intelligence agencies arrested a suspect in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. During interrogation and analysis of communication links, investigators uncovered a network that led them to Kumar. Authorities allege that he had been in contact with operatives linked to Pakistani intelligence agencies since 2023.

Additional Director General of Police (Intelligence) Prafull Kumar confirmed the arrest, stating that the accused had been under surveillance. During questioning, Kumar reportedly admitted to sharing confidential information in exchange for money.

Officials said the accused is suspected of having collected and passed on sensitive details related to Air Force installations, including locations of fighter aircraft, missile systems, and personnel-related information. These exchanges were allegedly carried out through social media platforms, raising concerns about the misuse of digital communication channels for espionage.

Following his arrest, Kumar was brought to Jaipur and is currently being questioned at a central interrogation facility, where multiple intelligence and security agencies are jointly probing the case. Authorities are working to determine the full extent of the information leak and assess potential damage to national security.

A case has been registered against him under the Official Secrets Act, 1923, along with relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Officials said the investigation is ongoing and aimed at uncovering a wider espionage network, with the possibility of more arrests as agencies track financial transactions and communication links tied to the case.

The incident underscores the persistent threat of insider-led espionage and has prompted heightened vigilance across defence establishments, particularly regarding civilian staff and contractual employees with access to sensitive areas. 

Disclaimer: This image is taken from NDTV.