Spy in Our Midst? Ex-IAF Engineer Arrested for Leaking Tezpur Airbase Data to Pakistan

Serious national security concerns have emerged from Assam’s Tezpur following the arrest of Kulendra Sarma, a retired engineer of the Indian Air Force, who is accused of sharing sensitive and classified defence information with a Pakistan-based intelligence agency.

Investigative agencies revealed that an Airtel SIM card—number 7636872556—used in a Redmi mobile phone, was allegedly employed to transmit sensitive messages from Tezpur to Pakistani intelligence operatives. Police sources further stated that these communications were followed by coded messages sent to foreign handlers. Officials have clarified that the exchanges were not routine in nature but allegedly contained highly sensitive information linked to the Indian Air Force’s radar systems, posing a grave threat to national security.

According to investigators, Sarma’s background as a retired Indian Air Force engineer enabled him to access classified technical details. Police allege that he operated discreetly from a building constructed by him in Tezpur, from where the espionage activities were allegedly carried out.

Earlier, on December 15, DY365 had reported that tension gripped Patiachuburi locality in Tezpur as residents staged protests outside Sarma’s residence. Locals held dharnas and raised slogans demanding strict punitive action against him following revelations of his alleged links with Pakistani intelligence agencies. The demonstrations reflected widespread public outrage, with residents socially ostracizing the accused and calling for swift justice.

Police sources have also alleged that Sarma shared sensitive documents and confidential information related to the Tezpur Air Force Base with foreign operatives. Investigations indicate that he maintained social media contact with at least two Pakistani nationals and may have fallen into a suspected honey-trap. Additionally, sensitive information is alleged to have been transmitted via WhatsApp to foreign handlers.

The Tezpur Sadar Police have registered a case against Kulendra Sarma under Sections 147, 148, 152, 238, and 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita, vide FIR No. 785/25. His mobile phone and laptop have been seized and sent for forensic examination under the supervision of Senior Superintendent of Police Varun Purkayastha.

Following completion of police remand, Sarma was produced before the court on Tuesday. The prosecution strongly opposed bail, citing the seriousness of the allegations and the potential threat to national security. Notably, no bail application has been filed on behalf of the accused by any family member so far. Police sources indicated that further custodial remand may be sought to deepen the investigation.

Senior police officials confirmed that investigators are examining whether Sarma acted alone or in coordination with foreign agents, whether financial inducements or honey-trapping played a role, and the full extent of his alleged connections with Pakistani intelligence operatives. The case has also raised broader concerns over possible foreign intelligence activities in Assam, prompting heightened vigilance by security agencies.

The investigation is ongoing, with Assam’s Sonitpur police probing the full extent and potential impact of the alleged espionage network.

Also Read: Ex-IAF Officer Allegedly Targeted in Honey-Trap by Pakistani Agents