Home ministry official arrested for leaking sensitive info

NEW DELHI: An IAS officer working with the Home Ministry was arrested today for allegedly leaking sensitive information of commercial interests to some telecom companies on number portability issue.

Ravi Inder Singh, a 1994 batch IAS officer of West Bengal cadre, who was working as Director in the sensitive Internal Security division, was under surveillance of the Special Cell of Delhi Police and was arrested this evening following which searches were carried out at his office and residence, sources said.

The sources said charges of abuse of official position, pecuniary benefits and illegal gratification under the Prevention of Corruption Act could be slapped against the official.

Sources said that he had allegedly indulged in criminal conspiracy with some telecom firms on the issue of number portability of mobile phones which comes into effect from November 25 beginning with Haryana.

Mobile number portability (MNP) allows mobile users to change their service provider while retaining the same number.

However, Delhi Police remained tightlipped with its Special Commissioner P N Aggarwal claiming that no one had been arrested so far.

Earlier, Home Secretary G K Pillai said a raid has been conducted on Singh's office and residence following allegation that he has been leaking sensitive information out of Home Ministry.

A Home Ministry source said Singh was passing sensitive information to commercial firms in connection with security clearance. The officer has been under surveillance for about a month.

The Internal Security Division of the Home Ministry is considered to be the most sensitive wing and handles all crucial issues related to the country's security.