JournalismPakistan.com | Published September 21, 2020
Join our WhatsApp channelIndian Police have arrested journalist Rajeev Sharma over allegations of espionage.
Sharma stands accused of passing ‘sensitive information’ to Chinese officials. The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and its Indian affiliate, the Indian Journalists Union (IJU), are concerned by the arrest and urge the authorities to treat Sharma fairly under the law.
Delhi Police revealed on September 19 that the journalist was arrested for allegedly passing sensitive information about ‘India’s border strategy and Army deployment’ to Chinese officials in exchange for money. He was arrested on September 14 under the Official Secrets Act.
According to the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Sanjeev Kumar Yadav, Sharma received USD 1,000 for each release of information. Police have accused him of receiving 4 million rupees (USD 54,584.96) in one and a half years of delivering information to Chinese officials.
The police stated that it also seized confidential documents related to the Indian defense department from Sharma’s residence. Chinese national Qing Shi and her Nepali associate Sher Singh were also arrested on accusations of espionage against India.
Sharma had been writing on foreign affairs for several Indian media outlets and wrote a weekly column for the Global Times from 2010 to 2014.
Sharma’s arrest comes when tension between China and India has heightened over border disputes in the Himalayan region following a clash in June where 20 Indian troops were said to be killed.
The Indian Journalist Union (IJU) Secretary-General Sabina Inderjit said: “The IJU is saddened to hear of Sharma’s arrest and hopes that Delhi police and other agencies of Indian government will act keeping fairness and objectivity in mind in relation to Sharma’s case.”
The IFJ said: “The IFJ is concerned by the arrest of Rajeev Sharma. We urge the authorities involved to carry out an independent investigation to ensure that the trial process is fair and transparent and there are no adverse impacts on press freedom in the country”.—IFJ media release/Photo: PTI
June 11, 2025: Pakistan celebrated a narrow win over Bangladesh, but beneath the jubilation lies a deeper crisis—from sidelined veterans to a collapsing domestic structure—signaling an urgent need for cricket reform.
June 11, 2025: Journalists walked out of the post-budget press conference in Islamabad to protest the absence of a technical briefing and the government's dismissive behavior, calling it unacceptable and intolerable.
May 31, 2025: Dr. Nauman Niaz has issued a defamation notice to Shoaib Akhtar over derogatory remarks made during a recent broadcast, reigniting a longstanding media feud between the two prominent figures in Pakistan.
May 30, 2025: The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan has demanded the full repeal of PECA, citing its vague language, coercive powers, and threats to free speech and digital rights in Pakistan.
May 30, 2025: The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has condemned the murder of journalist Syed Mohammed Shah in Jacobabad, calling for urgent justice and improved safety for media professionals in Sindh.
May 26, 2025: In Rawalpindi, police allegedly side with Jang Group to block 66 reinstated employees from resuming work despite court orders, drawing sharp criticism from unions and press freedom advocates.
May 25, 2025: PFUJ condemns the Jang Group's decision to dismiss over 80 employees in Rawalpindi, calling it an 'economic massacre.' The union warns of nationwide protests if workers are not reinstated.
May 25, 2025: Daily Jang Rawalpindi has terminated over 80 employees, including female staff, despite multiple court rulings in their favor—raising concerns over labor rights violations and misuse of authority in Pakistani media.
May 19, 2025 PJS reports 219 Palestinian journalists killed in Israeli attacks since October 7, with 30 women among the victims. Over 430 were injured and 685 family members were killed. Read more on the systematic targeting of media in Gaza.
May 15, 2025 Discover the legacy of Samiullah Khan, Pakistan’s legendary "Flying Horse," whose breathtaking speed and artistry redefined hockey. From Olympic glory to World Cup triumphs, his story is one of myth, movement, and magic.
May 04, 2025 Algerian authorities suspend Echorouk News TV for 10 days after it used a racist slur against African migrants. ANIRA demands an apology, calling it a violation of human dignity.
May 04, 2025 NCHR and MMfD launch a journalism fellowship to train reporters on digital rights & gender inclusion in Pakistan. Supported by UNESCO, this initiative aims to bridge the gender digital divide. Apply by May 15, 2025!
April 23, 2025 Discover Dr. Nauman Niaz’s In A Different Realm: Story of Quadruple & Triple Centuries 1876–2025, a profound exploration of cricket's most monumental innings, blending historical analysis with poetic narrative.