Indian Air Force (IAF) Wing Commander MS Sabharwal allegedly shared sensitive defence information with a Pakistani intelligence operative in exchange for money and nude photographs, according to details emerging from an ongoing investigation.
Sabharwal was earlier arrested after the IAF intelligence wing allegedly detected his contact with a Pakistani intelligence operative through a social media-based honey trap. He has been booked under provisions of the Official Secrets Act for allegedly sharing classified information and defence-related documents.
According to the investigation, Sabharwal allegedly shared details relating to operational plans, drone capabilities, targeting procedures and deployment locations with the operative, described as a Public Information Officer (PIO) in the investigation.
Classified War Plan Allegedly Shared
Investigators allege that Sabharwal uploaded a page from his unit’s classified war plan to the Pakistani intelligence contact.
He allegedly offered to provide additional pages in exchange for more photographs. The document reportedly contained details of two strategic deployment locations that had taken several years to identify and finalise for wartime operations.
Intelligence sources cited in the investigation said the disclosure could make the locations unsuitable for their intended operational role. The military may now have to reconsider its deployment plans and operational positioning.
The leaked material allegedly also revealed details about the unit’s structure and capabilities, including information indicating that it had four pilots and around 180 airmen and could operate several drones simultaneously.
Drone Trial Videos Allegedly Sent To Handler
Investigators further allege that Sabharwal used a personal device to record videos of drone trial firings during an exercise.
The videos were allegedly sent to the Pakistani intelligence contact despite security restrictions on recording such activities. The material reportedly contained information about the drone system’s performance.
According to the investigation, one communication allegedly revealed the time taken by a drone to travel from launch to its target. Sabharwal is also alleged to have asked the recipient to delete the video after receiving it.
Targeting And Control Details Under Scanner
Investigators are also examining alleged disclosures about the unit’s targeting and control procedures.
Sabharwal allegedly shared information about how target coordinates were communicated to drones during operations, along with details of the system’s rapid-launch capability.
Intelligence officials believe such information could potentially help an adversary understand the system and develop countermeasures.
The investigation alleges that the disclosures collectively exposed sensitive information about the drone unit’s organisation, operational capabilities, targeting methods and deployment plans.
Officer Allegedly Honey-Trapped Through Social Media
The case came to light after the IAF intelligence wing reportedly placed Sabharwal under surveillance and shared information with the Delhi Police.
IAF officials said the officer was under active surveillance before being handed over to law enforcement agencies.
“The IAF has zero tolerance for such activities,” officials said, according to reports.
Sources have also alleged that Sabharwal was honey-trapped by Pakistani intelligence operatives through social media. Investigators are examining communications in which he allegedly sought money and intimate photographs in return for carrying out specific tasks.
He is also accused of allegedly installing data-stealing software on a colleague’s mobile phone in an attempt to access the device.
Investigation Into Alleged Espionage Continues
The alleged disclosures are now being examined as part of a wider espionage investigation. Investigators are looking into Sabharwal’s digital communications, financial dealings, contacts and the extent of information allegedly shared with the Pakistani handler.
The case comes amid continued concerns among Indian security agencies over social media-based honey traps allegedly being used to target defence personnel and others.
Authorities are yet to publicly disclose the full extent of the information allegedly compromised in the case.
