IAF Wing Commander Arrested Over Alleged Defence Data Leak, Booked Under Secrets Act

New Delhi: A Wing Commander of the Indian Air Force (IAF) was arrested by the Delhi Police in May for allegedly sharing sensitive defence-related information and confidential documents, with investigators suspecting a larger espionage network linked to Pakistani intelligence operatives.

The officer, who was arrested on the night of May 31, has been booked under provisions of the Official Secrets Act and is currently in judicial custody, according to sources cited in reports.

Senior Delhi Police officials said the investigation has indicated the possibility of a wider network allegedly involved in collecting strategic military intelligence.

According to sources, the IAF officer allegedly fell victim to a honey-trap operation allegedly orchestrated by Pakistani intelligence officers. Investigators have also alleged that the officer installed data-stealing software on a colleague's mobile phone in an attempt to gain access to and control the device.

The case came to light after the IAF's intelligence wing shared specific inputs with the Delhi Police, following which the officer was taken into custody.

"Initially, he was taken into police custody after his arrest. He was later sent to judicial custody in Tihar Jail," sources said, adding that he was booked for allegedly sharing classified information and confidential documents related to national defence.

The IAF confirmed that the officer had been under surveillance before being handed over to law-enforcement authorities.

An IAF spokesperson said, "He was under active surveillance and was handed over to the suitable law enforcement agencies."

Investigators are also examining the circumstances surrounding the officer's alleged involvement and whether other individuals were part of the suspected network.

Sources said the officer had been going through a difficult phase in his personal life, which investigators are examining as part of the circumstances surrounding the alleged honey-trap operation.

The investigation remains underway, with authorities probing the alleged flow of sensitive information and possible links to a broader espionage network.

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