This morning, Delhi Police conducted raids on several journalists associated with the website NewsClick, under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). The case was registered on August 17, following a New York Times report alleging funding ties to Chinese propaganda.
Some journalists reported their laptops and phones were confiscated. While no arrests have been made, some were taken in for questioning. Union Minister Anurag Thakur stated that if wrongdoing is found, investigations will proceed within established guidelines.
The raids have sparked concerns about press freedom, with the Press Club of India urging solidarity with the journalists and demanding government transparency. The case revolves around alleged foreign funding violations, based on information from the Enforcement Directorate.
The ED previously claimed NewsClick received approximately Rs 38 crore from China-linked entities, prompting scrutiny into its utilization. Those who received salaries from NewsClick are also under investigation.
Further details about the searches will be provided later. In August, the New York Times implicated NewsClick in receiving funding from a network associated with US millionaire Neville Roy Singham, known for promoting Chinese propaganda. In 2021, the Economic Offences Wing of Delhi Police initiated a case against NewsClick, leading to the ED’s involvement.
The Delhi High Court granted NewsClick promoters protection from arrest, and the matter is currently in court. Additionally, in 2021, Income Tax officers searched NewsClick’s offices in an alleged tax evasion case.
NewsClick’s editor, Prabir Purkayastha, criticized the crackdown, emphasizing the importance of freedom of speech and expression under Article 19(1)(a) of the Indian Constitution. He stated that previous allegations had been addressed in court and would be handled similarly.
