Assam police arrest retired Air Force officer over suspected espionage links

Guwahati: Assam Police in Sonitpur district have arrested a retired Indian Air Force officer on charges of leaking sensitive information to operatives allegedly linked to Pakistan.

The arrest, confirmed on December 13, has triggered fresh concerns over national security and the misuse of digital platforms by former defence personnel.

According to investigators, the suspect allegedly shared confidential documents and strategic details through social media channels. Law enforcement officials believe the information reached handlers connected to Pakistani intelligence networks, prompting swift action by the police.

Additional Superintendent of Police Haricharan Bhumij said initial findings revealed sustained electronic communication between the accused and foreign-linked operatives.

During the arrest, police confiscated a laptop and a mobile phone suspected to have being used in the exchanges.

Authorities have sent the seized devices for forensic examination. However, investigators noted that portions of the digital data appear to have been erased, a development that may pose challenges during analysis.

Police have registered a case under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and are continuing the probe to assess the scale of the information breach and identify any possible accomplices.