Pegasus, an Israeli-made spyware, has been used to tap phones of Indian politicians – both ruling BJP and the opposition, journalists and judges.
This was claimed by firebrand BJP leader and Rajya Sabha MP Subramanium Swamy.
Swamy, on Sunday, tweeted that Pegasus could have also been used to tap the phones of ministers in the Narendra Modi-led Central government, RSS leaders, journalists and Supreme Court judges.
Swamy, in his tweet, further claimed that there is a rumour, which has been doing the rounds that international media outlets would publish a report exposing tapping of phones.
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Subramanium Swamy tweeted: “Strong rumour that this evening IST, Washington Post & London Guardian are publishing a report exposing the hiring of an Israeli firm Pegasus, for tapping phones of Modi’s Cabinet Ministers, RSS leaders, SC judges, & journalists. If I get this confirmed I will publish the list.”
Strong rumour that this evening IST, Washington Post & London Guardian are publishing a report exposing the hiring of an Israeli firm Pegasus, for tapping phones of Modi’s Cabinet Ministers, RSS leaders, SC judges, & journalists. If I get this confirmed I will publish the list.
— Subramanian Swamy (@Swamy39) July 18, 2021
Meanwhile, Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Derek O’Brien, while replying to Swamy’s tweet claimed that phones of many opposition leaders are also being tapped.
… and many members of the Opposition
— Derek O’Brien | ????? ?’???????? (@derekobrienmp) July 18, 2021
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Meanwhile, senior journalist Sheela Bhatt, in a tweet on Saturday, said that the report – “a really big story” – would be published at 11:59pm on Sunday.
I am told it is a really big story. It’s international collaboration of media people. It will touch politicians,Industrialists,Babus and media people. Online site carrying it. Truthful expose won’t harm aam Janata. Let’s see kal kiske barah bajenge! 11.59pm! Good night https://t.co/Tl0ZlacVS6
— Sheela Bhatt ???? ???? (@sheela2010) July 17, 2021
NSO Group, an Israeli surveillance firm, behind the technology for Pegasus.