Oil espionage case: Former journalist Santanu Saikia, Prayas Jain arrested

February 20, 2015

New Delhi, Feb 20: After arresting five people in connection to the oil espionage scam, the Delhi crime branch today arrested former journalist Santanu Saikia and Prayas Jain in relation to the case.

Santanu Saikia runs an energy portal called Indian Petro and Prayas Jain is an energy consultant at a Melbourne based company.

A senior police official said,"We have arrested Prayas Jain and Shantanu Saikia in this connection. Both of them are energy consultants who received stolen documents."

Both Santanu and Prayas will be produced before the court by noon today.

So far, seven people have been held for allegedly leaking oil ministry documents to business houses.

According to police sources, more arrests are likely to take place soon.

Sources have revealed that an Essar official has been questioned by the crime branch. However, the Essar company officials were not available for any comments.

The crime branch also questioned one company official of Reliance ADAG. But, the Reliance ADAG official has not been detained as no indiscriminate papers were found.

Yesterday, police had detained five people including two Oil Ministry officials, a Reliance Industries(RIL) staffer and two other middlemen for allegedly leaking important oil ministry documents to companies.

Raids were yesterday conducted at several establishments including a prominent building in Connaught Place which houses offices of a leading private petroleum firm believed to be RIL.

In a case reminiscent of the Spy scandal in mid 80s, some journalists who claimed to be independent energy consultants, and employees of certain petro companies were also said to have been detained for questioning in the development that has set off sensation in political and corporate circles.

Delhi Police Commissioner B S Bassi had said that action was taken on a tip off that two persons along with their associates were involved in "procuring, obtaining and stealing the official documents by trespassing into the offices of Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas at Shastri Bhawan on February 17."

"A trap was laid and three persons came in an Indigo car near Shastri Bhawan. Two persons alighted and went inside while the third remained sitting in the car. After around two hours, when the two persons entered the car, all three persons were apprehended," he said.

They were identified as Lalta Prasad (36), Rakesh Kumar (30) and Raj Kumar Chaubey (39). Official documents were recovered from them.

Reliance Industries said it has been brought to the company's notice that one personnel has been detained by law-enforcement authorities.

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Fusion-2K25: Melkar Women’s College Celebrates 17th Annual Day and Graduation Ceremony

News Network

December 17,2025

Melkar, Dec 17: The 17th Annual Day and Graduation Ceremony of Melkar Women’s PU and Degree College, themed “Fusion-2K25,” was celebrated with dignity and enthusiasm, marking a significant milestone in the institution’s academic journey. The programme reflected the college’s steadfast commitment to academic excellence, character building, and the holistic development of students.

The event was inaugurated by Mr. Asif Mohammed, whose presence greatly enriched the occasion. The celebration was further graced by the chief guests Mr. P. B. Ahmed Mudassir and Mr. Nissar Fakeer Mohammed, along with the distinguished guests of honour Mr. B. A. Nazeer and Mr. Ibrahim Gadiyar. In their inspiring addresses, the guests encouraged the graduating students and appreciated the dedicated efforts of the management, faculty, and students.

The annual report was presented by the Principal, Mr. Abdul Majeed S, highlighting the institution’s academic progress, notable achievements, and extracurricular accomplishments during the academic year.

The presidential address was delivered by the esteemed Chairman of Melkar Women’s PU and Degree College, Dr. Haji S. M. Rasheed, who emphasized the vital role of education in empowering women and shaping responsible citizens. He also stressed the importance of discipline, dedication, and perseverance in achieving success.

Cultural programmes and academic recognitions formed an integral part of the celebration, showcasing the talents and achievements of the students. The graduation ceremony was a proud moment for the outgoing students as they were formally conferred degrees and wished success in their future endeavours.

Ms. Mashmooma Fathima served as the Master of Ceremonies. The welcome address was delivered by Ms. Fathima Nida, and the programme concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Ms. Ayisha Suhana.

The event successfully achieved its objectives and was highly appreciated by the guests and attendees.

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