Sonitpur (Assam), 13 December (HS): A retired Indian Air Force officer was arrested in Assam’s Tezpur for his alleged links with Pakistani espionage operatives, triggering strong public outrage in the area. The accused has been identified as Kulendra Sharma, a former Air Force official.

According to sources, security agencies took Kulendra Sharma into custody following inputs suggesting his involvement with Pakistani spies. During searches conducted at his residence, officials seized a laptop, mobile phones and several important documents for further investigation.

Following the arrest, tension prevailed in the locality as villagers staged a protest outside Sharma’s house in Tezpur. Raising slogans of “Pakistani agent go back”, the protesters accused him of betrayal and demanded strict action.

Villagers also put up posters on the entrance and walls of the former Air Force officer’s house, directing him to leave the area and even threatening to drive him out if he failed to do so. The protest reflected widespread anger over the alleged act of betrayal involving national security.

Authorities, meanwhile, stated that the arrest was made due to suspected links with Pakistani espionage networks and that further investigation is underway to ascertain the full extent of the case.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash