Jammu: The wife of a senior Indian Army officer has been booked on espionage charges in Jammu for allegedly sharing sensitive information and defence-related material with suspected Chinese intelligence operatives who approached her posing as academicians, official sources said on Sunday.

The woman, a native of Telangana, allegedly established contact with foreign-based individuals who presented themselves as academics and digital content creators before persuading her to write articles on subjects ranging from environmental issues to geopolitics and national defence.

According to sources, the Gandhi Nagar Police Station in Jammu registered an FIR (No. 290/2026) against the woman under Sections 3 and 5 of the Official Secrets Act, 1923, and Sections 152 and 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

Investigators suspect that the accused shared sensitive documents, photographs, electronic records and other information through encrypted communication platforms with individuals allegedly linked to foreign intelligence agencies.

The investigation is now focused on determining how the suspected foreign operatives established contact with the Army officer's wife and whether the information allegedly shared by her compromised national security.

Foreign contacts allegedly posed as academicians

According to official sources, the woman was approached by individuals claiming to be academicians and online content creators who initially engaged her in writing long-form articles on general subjects.

The assignments reportedly covered environmental concerns, international relations, geopolitical developments and defence matters.

Investigators suspect that the interactions gradually led to the exchange of sensitive information, although the extent of the alleged disclosures remains under investigation.

Police are also examining whether the woman knowingly shared confidential material or was manipulated into disclosing information without fully understanding the identities and intentions of her contacts.

Sources said the FIR refers not only to suspected Chinese intelligence links but also to operatives associated with other countries.

The identities of the foreign contacts and the nature of their alleged intelligence operations have not yet been disclosed.

Digital devices, financial transactions under scrutiny

Jammu Police have launched an investigation into the woman's electronic communications and suspected financial dealings with her foreign contacts.

Investigators are examining digital devices and tracing transactions that may have taken place between the accused and individuals who approached her under the guise of academic collaboration.

Forensic specialists may also be brought in to analyse electronic evidence, including the woman's mobile phone and devices belonging to her family members.

The examination is expected to focus on encrypted communications, transferred documents, photographs and other electronic records that could help establish the nature of the alleged exchanges.

According to sources, the investigation began after the intelligence wing of an agency alerted Jammu Police to suspicious communications between the woman and her overseas contacts.

Police are now attempting to establish the full extent of the alleged information-sharing network and determine whether additional individuals were involved.

Espionage charges carry severe punishment

The accused has been booked under Section 152 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which deals with acts endangering India's sovereignty, unity and integrity.

A conviction under the provision can attract imprisonment ranging from seven years to life, along with a fine.

The FIR also invokes provisions of the Official Secrets Act, 1923, which deals with espionage and the unauthorised disclosure of sensitive information.

Under Section 3 of the Act, espionage offences can attract imprisonment of up to 14 years, while wrongful communication of information under Section 5 carries a maximum punishment of three years.

Section 61(2) of the BNS, relating to criminal conspiracy, has also been invoked.