New Delhi, Aug 8: An Indian Air Force (IAF) Wing Commander has been arrested for allegedly sharing sensitive military information with a woman suspected of being linked to Pakistani intelligence operatives, officials said.
The officer was arrested by the Delhi Police in May and has been booked under provisions of the Official Secrets Act following a complaint from the IAF. Police filed a chargesheet before the competent court on July 30 after completing the investigation.
According to investigators, the officer came in contact with the woman through social media. Their interaction reportedly developed into regular conversations and video calls, after which she allegedly sought information related to military activities.
Police sources said the officer allegedly shared details concerning the movement and deployment of military units, along with photographs, videos, documents and other information through digital platforms. Investigators suspect that the woman was operating on behalf of handlers based in Pakistan.
The investigation has also uncovered concerns over an alleged attempt to gain access to the mobile phone of another defence personnel. According to police, the woman allegedly asked the Wing Commander to install a particular application on his colleague’s phone. Investigators suspect the application could have been spyware or remote-access malware capable of accessing data, tracking locations or monitoring communications.
Police are now examining the digital trail to determine the extent of the information allegedly shared, the platforms used for communication and the identities of the suspected foreign handlers.
Investigators also suspect that the case may be part of a wider espionage network targeting strategic military and national security information rather than an isolated incident involving a single officer.
The officer was arrested after inputs from the IAF’s intelligence wing, according to police sources. He was subsequently sent to judicial custody and is currently lodged in Tihar Jail, while the investigation into the alleged network continues.
