Strong action will be taken against arrested staff: Pradhan

5 persons including 2 petroleum ministry employees held for 'leaking confidential govt documents to pvt companies'

Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan today said strong action would be taken against the two employees of his ministry who were arrested by police for allegedly leaking confidential government documents to private companies.

"They will be severely dealt with. Police is probing the case. We will take strong action against the guilty. Government will come down hard on them," he said when asked about the case.

Two Petroleum Ministry employees were among five persons arrested for allegedly leaking confidential government documents to private companies, Delhi Police said today.

Sources said a clerical staff and a peon of the Petroleum Ministry were apprehended by police. They said provisions of Official Secrets Act may be slapped on them.

They said the two Petroleum Ministry employees used to provide confidential information to private companies in return for money.

Asked whether any corporate lobbyist could be involved, the Petroleum Minister said it was up to the police to investigate.

"The government was conscious. Agencies are investigating. They will come out with full facts," he said.

Terming leaking of information as a serious issue, the Minister said CCTV cameras were installed inside the Ministry as part of security measures.

"Government will come down hard on those involved," he said.