A Delhi based freelance journalist has been arrested by the Special Cell of Delhi Police under Official Secrets Act. He was allegedly providing classified information about India’s border strategy and army deployment to Chinese Intelligence.
Sharma, a journalist and a resident of New Delhi’s Pitampura was arrested on September 14 and presented before a local court the following day. The court then sent the journalist to six-day police custody.
According to the police, Rajeeve Sharma was getting $1.00 for each piece of information and was paid Rs 30 lakhs in one and a half years.
In connection with the case, A Chinese woman and her Nepali associate also have been arrested as they are claimed to have been paying a huge amount of money to the freelance journalist Rajeeve Sharma for providing sensitive information.
According to the police, he was tasked by Chinese Intelligence to provide them sensitive information in lieu of large amounts of money.
Huge amounts of mobile phones, laptops, and other incriminating materials have been discovered from him. Also, he was found to be in possession of some classified defence-related documents.
“He was found to be in possession of some classified defence-related documents. The investigation is in progress and further details will be shared in due course,” senior police officer Sanjeeve Kumar Yadav said on Friday.
The Press Club of India (PCI) severely criticised the arrest of the freelance journalist Rajeeve Sharma under the Official Secrets Act.
“We are astounded to hear of the arrest of Mr. Rajeeve Sharma, a well known independent journalist of long-standing and a member of the PCI. This is an account of the dubious track record of the Special Branch. More generally also, the record of Delhi Police is hardly a shining one,” said the statement issued by PCI on Saturday.