Govt rubbishes snooping report, IT minister questions release ahead of Monsoon Session

Under Opposition fire over reports that phone numbers of Indian ministers, leaders in the opposition, and journalists were found on a database of targets for hacking that used Israeli spyware 'Pegasus', the government on Monday rubbished the allegations. 

Replying to the allegations amid Opposition uproar, IT minister Ashwini Vaishnaw rubbished the allegation saying there is no substance to suggest that spyware was used for surveillance. 

Questioning the timing of the report, the minister said it is not a coincidence that the "sensational" report was published on the eve of the Monsoon Session.

"A highly sensational story was published by a web portal last night. Many over-the-top allegations made around this story. The press reports appeared a day before monsoon session of Parliament. This can't be a coincidence," the minister said.

The minister further stated that the Israeli company NSO has also rubbished the snooping claim.  

Also See | Pegasus firm on hack claim: Allegations outrageous, will file defamation suit