Following a series of raids at locations associated with NewsClick, the Delhi Police’s Special Cell sealed the online news portal’s office in the national capital. These actions were part of a crackdown initiated by the Special Cell earlier in the day, targeting NewsClick and its journalists in connection with an FIR filed under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
The raids were conducted at over 30 locations in relation to a case registered on August 17 under UAPA and other sections of the IPC, including 153A (promoting enmity between two groups) and 120B (criminal conspiracy).
Union Minister Anurag Thakur, while speaking to reporters in Bhubaneswar, expressed the belief that action had been taken based on evidence or complaints.
Meanwhile, the Editors Guild of India voiced deep concern over the incident in a statement. They highlighted the seizure of laptops, mobile phones, and other devices belonging to senior journalists and their detention by the Delhi Police. The Guild expressed worry that the raids, carried out under the UAPA and other laws related to criminal conspiracy and disruption of communal harmony, were an attempt to stifle the media. While acknowledging the necessity of the law taking its course for actual offenses, the Guild stressed the importance of due process and urged the government to protect freedom of expression and dissenting voices.
The Editors Guild of India reminded the government of the vital role of independent media in a functioning democracy and called for its respect, nurturing, and protection.
In the course of the investigation, Editor-in-Chief of NewsClick, Prabir Purkayastha, along with writers Paranjoy Guha Thakurta and Urmilesh, were reportedly brought to the special cell offices in the national capital.
Earlier, on August 10, a report in the New York Times had alleged that NewsClick was part of a global network receiving funding from American billionaire Neville Roy Singham. Singham, known as a supporter of far-left causes, was accused of being involved in an influence campaign defending China and promoting its propaganda, with alleged close ties to the Chinese government’s media apparatus.
Also Read: Telangana: PM Modi Inaugurates Projects Worth Rs 8,000 Crores, Focuses on Power & Rail Infra
Catch all the Latest Business News, Breaking News Events, and Latest News Updates on NewsX
