New Delhi, Oct. 15 -- Ashley J. Tellis, a senior US scholar on India and adviser to multiple administrations, has been placed on administrative leave following his arrest and charges for allegedly retaining classified national defense documents.

"We are aware of the allegations against Ashley J. Tellis. He is now on administrative leave, including from his role as Tata Chair for Strategic Affairs," said Katelynn Vogt, Vice President for Communications at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.

Tellis was arrested over the weekend and formally charged on Monday, according to FBI court documents reviewed on Tuesday. He faces up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine if convicted on charges of unlawful retention of classified ma...