In a possible case of corporate espionage, the Delhi Police have detained two petroleum ministry employees and three others for allegedly leaking confidential government documents.
The Delhi Police carried out raids at Shastri Bhavan and nabbed the two – one a peon and the other is a clerk.
However, they are said to have access to the offices of senior officials in the ministry. Of the other three, one is said to have claimed to be a journalist.
Media reports claimed that the detained men are being questioned and will be put under arrest.
The reports added, the five have allegedly leaked official documents to business houses.
While there is no official word yet on the development, reports said all petroleum companies are under the scanner.
“The police is investigating the matter, strict action will be taken against those involved,” Oil Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said.
“I won’t allow espionage to happen in my ministry,” Mr. Pradhan added.
Sources said that after the NDA government took over, there were concerns in ministry over availability of confidential information in public domain. So, officials were deputed officials to monitor the possibility of any such leaks, sources said, adding that a government agency was asked to probe the leaks.
Once the sources of the leaks were identified and actionable evidence generated, Delhi Police was informed, sources said. Those arrested include some low rank government servants, they added.
The police are investigating the matter to get to those who have received this confidential information.
