Our Bureau/Agencies
New Delhi, February 24
In a case of alleged corporate espionage, two petroleum companies came under the scanner on Thursday after five people, including two Petroleum Ministry officials and a former journalist, were detained in a case involving leakage of classified government documents.
The drama unfolded after the Delhi Police laid a trap at Shastri Bhavan, where some key Ministries are housed. “We had information that some people were unauthorisedly photocopying documents and giving it to others for a reward,” Delhi Police Commissioner BS Bassi told reporters here, without giving out any names. He said three people who were in possession of documents were arrested, adding that the documents were obtained by individuals linked to companies operating in the energy sector.
“We questioned them and also caught hold of the others who were assisting them. We have identified the recipients of the documents and are questioning them,” he said, adding that the accused will be charged under the Official Secret Act.
Bassi also said that the suspects had been posing as independent energy consultants.
The issue threatened to take a political colour with Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan alleging that such things were common during the previous UPA regime. He said the new government has put some strict measures in this regard and the condition has improved.
“We had put surveillance on them…. They (suspects) will be severely dealt with, he said.”
Pradhan said strong action will be taken against the two employees of his Ministry who were arrested for allegedly leaking confidential government documents to private companies.
A Reliance Industries spokesperson said “It has been brought to our notice that one personnel has been detained by law-enforcement authorities. We are unaware of more details. An internal probe is underway as per our robust internal standards. The matter is under investigation as per law and we are determined to cooperate in every possible manner. We are already in International Arbitration with the said Ministry on all important matters. Our only expectation is a fair and expeditious resolution of our legal rights and contentions by the Arbitrators.”