NEW DELHI: An Indian Air Force Wing Commander is in judicial custody after being arrested over allegations that he passed classified defence information, with investigators probing whether he was targeted online by Pakistani intelligence operatives.
The officer has been booked under provisions of the Official Secrets Act. Delhi Police sources said the investigation is examining an alleged “honey trap”, his digital communications and an accusation that he tried to install data-stealing software on a colleague’s phone.
IAF says Wing Commander was under active surveillance
The Indian Air Force said the officer had already been under surveillance before he was handed over to law enforcement agencies.
“He was under active surveillance and was handed over to the suitable law enforcement agencies. Due to proactive measures, he was caught. The IAF has zero tolerance for such activities,” IAF officials said.
Sources said the arrest followed specific information shared with Delhi Police by the IAF’s intelligence wing.
According to the IANS account, the officer was arrested on the night of May 31. He was initially placed in police custody and was later sent to judicial custody in Tihar Jail.
Pakistan ‘honey trap’ angle under investigation
Investigators suspect the officer was approached by a woman through social media and later began communicating with her regularly, including through video calls.
According to police sources, the woman gradually gained his confidence before allegedly seeking photographs, videos and information relating to military movements and deployments.
Investigators allege that the officer subsequently transmitted sensitive documents and data through digital communication platforms.
The woman is suspected of having operated under the direction of handlers based in Pakistan. Investigators are examining whether the contact was part of a wider effort to obtain strategic military information.
These claims remain part of the investigation.
Officer accused of targeting colleague’s phone
The investigation is also examining an allegation that the Wing Commander installed data-stealing software on a colleague’s mobile phone.
Sources described the software as being capable of accessing device data, tracking locations or intercepting communications.
Investigators are now attempting to establish the complete digital trail between the officer and the suspected handlers.
Delhi Police sources said the case involves allegations of sharing classified information and confidential documents relating to national defence.
