Home ministry official held for leaking secrets

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 on Monday 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.

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 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.