Rajasthan Intelligence Uncovers Pakistan-Linked Espionage Ring
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Jaipur, March 22 (NationPress) In a significant counter-intelligence operation, Rajasthan's Intelligence Division has dismantled an espionage ring operating within the nation by apprehending a civilian staff member assigned to the Chabua Air Force Station in Assam. The individual is accused of leaking sensitive data concerning the Indian Air Force (IAF) to handlers in Pakistan.
According to Prafulla Kumar, Additional Director General of Police (Intelligence), the investigation began in January 2026 with the capture of Jhabararam, a resident of Jaisalmer.
During the interrogation of Jhabararam, another suspect, Sumit Kumar, was identified. Kumar was found to have maintained continuous communication with Pakistani intelligence agencies.
Investigations indicated that Sumit Kumar (36), son of Beni Madhav and a resident of Lahurpar in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, was employed as a Multi-Tasking Staff (MTS) at the Chabua Air Force Station in Dibrugarh, Assam.
Exploiting his role, he allegedly gathered confidential information from the Air Force facility and conveyed it to Pakistani contacts via social media. In collaboration with Air Force Intelligence (New Delhi), Rajasthan Intelligence detained him at Chabua and transferred him to the Central Interrogation Centre in Jaipur.
During a joint interrogation involving multiple intelligence agencies, it emerged that Kumar had been in contact with a Pakistani intelligence agency since 2023, sharing sensitive information for financial compensation.
Further questioning revealed that the suspect disclosed critical information not only about the Chabua Air Force Station but also about other military sites, including the Nal Air Force Station in Bikaner district.
The leaked data reportedly comprised locations of fighter jets, missile systems, and confidential records related to officers and personnel.
Kumar also assisted his Pakistani handlers in establishing social media accounts using phone numbers registered in his name.
The accused was formally detained on Sunday (March 22) at the Special Police Station in Jaipur under the relevant sections of the Official Secrets Act, 1923, and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023.
Authorities stated that this operation has unveiled a Pakistan-backed espionage network active within the country, and further investigations are ongoing.