Tezpur police arrest retired IAF officer Kulendra Sarma over alleged links with Pakistani espionage network; investigation ongoing, devices seized.
According to officials, a case has been registered against Sarma under Sections 147, 148, 152, 238 and 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). (Local Arranegemnt)
Tezpur: In a major security-related development, police in Assam’s Tezpur have arrested a retired Indian Air Force officer on charges of maintaining links with a Pakistani espionage network. The accused has been identified as Kulendra Sarma, a resident of the Patia locality in Tezpur. He was taken into custody late last night following sustained surveillance and preliminary investigation by the police.
According to officials, a case has been registered against Sarma under Sections 147, 148, 152, 238 and 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Investigators allege that the retired officer was in contact with individuals linked to a Pakistani spying agency, raising serious national security concerns.
Police sources confirmed that Sarma previously served as an officer in the Indian Air Force. Further investigation is underway to ascertain the nature and extent of his alleged involvement, including the duration of the suspected contacts and whether any sensitive information was shared. Authorities said more details are expected to emerge as the probe progresses.
Kulendra sharma, was posted as a Junior Warrant Officer at the Tezpur Air Force Station and retired in 2002. After retirement, he worked in the Electronics Department at Tezpur University and later retired from the university as well. He has been accused of secretly supplying sensitive information to a Pakistani espionage network. Police have seized a laptop and a mobile phone, and further investigation is underway.He will be produced before the court today.
DYSP Haricharan Bhumij stated, “We came to know through sources that Kulendra Sharma had links with Pakistani contacts. During the course of the investigation, we searched his mobile phone and laptop. From these devices, certain materials were found that have raised our suspicion. We also found some information related to India that was allegedly being shared with Pakistani intelligence agency, following which he was arrested on these charges. Further inquiry is underway, and we will inform you about any new developments. At this stage, we cannot directly state that he has confirmed links with Pakistan, but based on the inputs and evidence recovered from his phone, there is a strong suspicion that such a connection may exist.”
