Espionage Case -Delhi Court Sends Freelance Journalist Rajeev Sharma 7 Days ED Custody Till July 9

A Delhi Court on Friday sent freelance journalist Rajeev Sharma to 7 days Enforcement Directorate's custody till July 9 after he was arrested for allegedly supplying confidential information to Chinese Officials.ED had initiated investigation on the basis of an FIR filed against Rajeev Sharma under the provisions of IPC, Official Secrets Act. It was thus the case of ED that Sharma had supplied confidential information to Chinese Officials in return of some remuneration thereby comprising the security and national interest of the Country. Additional Sessions Judge Dharmendra Rana passed the orders on the application moved on behalf of the investigating officer ED custody remand of accused Rajeev Sharma for a period of 10 days.It was however submitted on behalf of Sharma that the ED is mischievously carrying out the instant parallel proceedings pursuant to the investigation carried out by the Special Cell in order to harass him. It was also submitted that he can explain each and every minute detail of the payments received by him and that he was absolutely innocent."Considering the intricate nature of investigation required in the instant matter, I am of the opinion that custodial interrogation of accused is desirable. In view of the same, accused Rajeev Sharma is remanded to ED custody till 09.07.2021" the judge said. According to a press release issued by the ED, it has been stated thus:"During the investigation, it was revealed that Rajeev Sharma had supplied confidential and sensitive information to Chinese Intelligence officers, in exchange for remuneration thereby compromising the security and national interests of India. It was further revealed that cash for remuneration of Rajeev Sharma and other unknown persons was being generated through hawala means by Mahipalpur based shell companies that were run by Chinese nationals namely Zhang ChengSuraj, Zhang Lixia @ Usha and Quing Shi along with a Nepali national Sher Singh Raj Bohara.""Apart from cash, huge transactions were made with various Chinese companies and some other trading companies in India which are being examined. These Chinese companies were acting as a conduit for the Chinese Intelligence agencies to provide remuneration for persons like Rajeev Sharma indulged in criminal activities. Rajeev Sharma also received money through benami bank accounts in order to conceal his involvement in criminal activities."Title: Directorate of Enforcement v. Rajeev SharmaClick Here To Read Order

Espionage Case -Delhi Court Sends Freelance Journalist Rajeev Sharma 7 Days ED Custody Till July 9

Nupur Thapliyal

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