Sydney
New South Wales state police officers are seen at a corner near Lindt cafe in Martin Place, where hostages are being held, in central Sydney December 15, 2014Reuters

The Indian government and Infosys have come under scathing criticism on social media for revealing that an Indian is among the hostages held by a gunman in a Sydney cafe.

A hostage crisis has ensued for more than 10 hours in the Lindt Chocolate Cafe in Sydney's Central Business District on Monday, and an Islamic flag seen on the window has sparked fears of a terror-related attack. 

Union Minister Venkaiah Naidu first revealed that an Indian IT professional was among the hostages. 

"There is some info that one of our Indian IT professionals is among those held hostage in the cafe. The external affairs minister is in touch with authorities concerned and trying to get information," Naidu told the media.

Following Naidu's statement, Infosys issued a statement confirming one of its employees was among the Sydney hostages. 

"We can confirm that one Infosys employee is among the hostages at the Lindt Cafe in Sydney. We are also in the process of confirming the whereabouts of all our other employees in the city. We are in constant touch with the local authorities and Indian Consulate in Sydney for updates on the situation on ground," Infosys said. 

However, Twitterati condemned the move by the IT company and the government to reveal the identity even as Australian authorities said they will keep all information confidential till the siege ends. 

Fear for the Indian's life is heightened, given that an ISIS supporter who ran a pro-ISIS twitter account was arrested in Bengaluru, India, over the weekend, sparking threats from jihadists against Indians.

Here are some of the Twitter reactions -