The premises of two Jammu-based newspapers have been searched days after their owner was arrested for allegedly circulating a “secret” document, the Wire reported.     

Tarun Bahl was arrested by the police on July 10 and sent to four-day police remand under the Official Secrets Act in connection with the alleged circulation of a secret document related to the withdrawal of security cover of 57 persons in Jammu and Kashmir, including journalists, politicians and retired police officers.  

The documents were allegedly circulated in the WhatsApp groups of the two dailies owned by Behl – the Sree Times and the Daily Aasman. Subsequently, Behl was arrested for “circulating information useful to an enemy” and “wrong communication of secret information”. 

A few local outlets quoted “police sources” as saying that Behl is also suspected of money laundering.

The J&K police also issued a statement advising media and WhatsApp group administrators to not circulate information that can “jeopardise the security and sovereignty of the nation”.

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