A Delhi court has directed the Delhi Police to obtain the required sanction from the competent authority to prosecute an Indian Air Force (IAF) Wing Commander accused of sharing classified military information with a suspected Pakistani intelligence operative.
The Patiala House Court also asked the concerned Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) to expedite the process. The matter has been listed for December 5.
The officer, Wing Commander Manorath Singh Sabharwal, was arrested on May 30 after the IAF lodged a complaint. According to the Delhi Police chargesheet, he allegedly remained in contact with a suspected Pakistani intelligence operative through WhatsApp between January 12 and April 1, 2026.
Police have accused him of sharing sensitive information about India’s war plans, fighter aircraft deployments in Leh, military exercises at the Mahajan Field Firing Range in Suratgarh and the operational capabilities of a confidential drone unit.
Classified Information Allegedly Shared for Explicit Photographs
According to the chargesheet, the officer allegedly exchanged sensitive military information in return for explicit photographs sent by the suspected operative.
Investigators alleged that he uploaded a page from a classified war plan after receiving an explicit photograph and offered to share additional pages in exchange for more images.
The information allegedly disclosed included details about the strength and organisational structure of a secret drone unit, drone trial results, weapon endurance, targeting mechanisms and locations identified for deployment during hostilities.
Police also alleged that the officer shared information about the operational capabilities of the Leh airbase, including its use and the types of military aircraft that could operate from there.
The chargesheet reportedly cited WhatsApp records showing 3,008 text messages, 65 images, 65 reactions, 42 voice calls, four video calls and six URLs exchanged between the officer and the suspected operative.
Spyware Allegedly Installed on Subordinates’ Phones
The chargesheet further alleged that the suspected Pakistani operative sent malware or spyware applications to the officer to access sensitive information stored on his electronic devices.
Police claimed that the officer was instructed to install the software on the phones and other information and communication technology devices of five personnel serving under him. The alleged objective was to access their data and official communications.
Investigators said the alleged disclosures and attempts to access other personnel’s devices could have exposed sensitive military information and put national security at risk.
Officer Came Under Scrutiny After Security Check
The officer reportedly came under scrutiny after security personnel at his office on Race Course found him carrying an iPhone, which he was allegedly not authorised to possess because of the sensitive nature of his assignment.
An examination of the device reportedly revealed his communications with the suspected operative. Police alleged that the woman used an Indian mobile SIM issued in Gujarat to communicate with him through WhatsApp while operating from Pakistan.
The chargesheet was filed on July 30 by the Counter Intelligence Unit of the Delhi Police Special Cell. The IAF had earlier said that the officer was under active surveillance before being handed over to law enforcement agencies.
The officer has been charged under the Official Secrets Act, 1923, and other relevant provisions. The law criminalises espionage and the unauthorised disclosure of protected government information.
The court’s latest direction concerns the sanction required to prosecute the officer. The allegations against him remain subject to judicial proceedings.
