IAF officer arrested for leaking defence secrets to Pak handler

New Delhi: An Indian Air Force officer has been arrested on charges of leaking classified defence information to a Pakistan-based intelligence handler, police said on Saturday. The officer, a Wing Commander, was allegedly honey-trapped on chat platforms by a woman who connected him to the handler.

The arrest came after months of surveillance by military intelligence and police agencies. Officials said the officer was "under active surveillance" before being taken into custody. He has been booked under the Official Secrets Act, which carries severe penalties for espionage-related offences.

The Honey-Trap Operation

According to police, the officer was first contacted by a woman on a popular messaging app. The conversations, initially personal in nature, gradually turned to professional matters. The woman is believed to have been working for a Pakistan-based intelligence operative.

Investigators say the officer shared sensitive defence data over a period of time. The exact nature of the information leaked has not been disclosed, but sources indicate it included operational details. The woman's identity and location have not been confirmed yet.

Surveillance and Arrest

The breakthrough came when intelligence agencies detected unusual data transfers from the officer's devices. A joint operation involving the IAF's counter-intelligence unit and central agencies was launched. The officer was placed under watch for weeks before his arrest.

Officials have not ruled out the involvement of other personnel. A senior police officer said the investigation is ongoing and "more revelations could follow". The officer has been remanded to custody for further questioning.

Modus Operandi Under Scrutiny

This case highlights the growing use of social engineering and honey-trapping techniques by foreign intelligence agencies. Investigators are now examining the officer's chat logs and digital footprint to trace the full extent of the leak.

Defence experts say such incidents underscore the need for stricter digital hygiene among armed forces personnel. The IAF has not issued an official statement yet, but internal inquiries are believed to have been initiated.

Legal Proceedings Ahead

The officer will face a court-martial in addition to criminal proceedings under the Official Secrets Act. If convicted, he could face a lengthy prison term. Legal experts say the case will hinge on the admissibility of digital evidence and the chain of custody.

Authorities are also probing whether the leaked information reached hostile agencies beyond Pakistan. The investigation is expected to take several months, with forensic analysis of devices under way.

As the probe continues, the spotlight remains on how a serving officer was allegedly compromised. Security agencies are likely to review protocols for handling classified information and monitoring personnel interactions online.