CBI files chargesheet against defence journalist Vivek Raghuvanshi for ‘espionage’

The Central Bureau of Investigation yesterday filed a chargesheet against freelance defence journalist Vivek Raghuvanshi and a former Navy commander named Ashish Pathak for alleged espionage. 

According to the Hindu, the CBI alleged Raghuvanshi “received about Rs 3 crore from foreign sources”.

The CBI had booked Raghuvanshi and Pathak in May for allegedly collecting “sensitive information and minute details” about the Defence Research Development Organisation and the army, and sharing them with intelligence agencies of European countries. They were charged under the Official Secrets Act.

The CBI also conducted raids across multiple locations and claimed to have seized “incriminating documents” in connection with the case.

Raghuvanshi has been writing on defence for over three decades, and has been the India correspondent for the US-based Defence News since 1993. He also works as a consultant to private defence manufacturers in India. After his arrest, the National Press Club of Washington, DC issued a statement saying it was “disappointed” by the charges against him.

“Vivek has a solid reputation and the respect of his colleagues. We hope his release and these allegations are resolved swiftly,” the statement said.

After Raghuvanshi’s arrest, Newslaundry spoke to those who knew him. All of them expressed shock at his arrest, describing him as the “most harmless journalist”. Read about it here.