BBC News Online: World: South Asia

Indian hackers busted

The two were detained for allegedly blocking the website - go2nextjob.com - which provides support and information to job-seekers and employers.

The site is now back in operation and the hackers have been sent to judicial custody for 14 days.

"This is probably the first instance where anyone has been arrested for cyber crime," said Rajan Bhagat, assistant commissioner of police.

Landmark law

The two men have been charged under a landmark law - the Information Technology Act - which was approved by parliament last year.

It allows police to enter and search public places, such as cybercafes, without a warrant and to arrest suspects when they believe a cyber crime is being committed.

If found guilty, the two men face up to three years in prison and a fine of about 200,000 rupees (nearly $5,000).

Last month, India's leading software watchdog decided to use teenage hackers to help them crackdown on cyber crime.

The National Cyber Cop Committee - which was set up by the software industry - said they would be advised by a group of hackers, between the ages of 14 and 19.

India is very concerned about the growth of cyber-crime which could involve unauthorised access, data alteration and the destruction and theft of intellectual property.