On Tuesday morning, the Delhi Police conducted raids on multiple journalists as part of their inquiry into the financing of the news portal Newsclick.
Journalists whose houses were Raided
The police operation occurred in relation to a case that was registered on August 17. This case was lodged under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and involved Sections 153A (inciting enmity between different groups) and 120B (criminal conspiracy) of the Indian Penal Code.
Reportedly, among the individuals subjected to the raids were Prabir Purkayastha, the editor of the website, as well as journalists Abhisar Sharma, Aunindyo Chakravarty, Bhasha Singh, and satirist Sanjay Rajaura.
Journalists who Tweeted
Abhisar Sharma affirmed the situation on X, formerly referred to as Twitter and mentioned that the police were confiscating their mobile phones and laptops. Bhasha Singh also stated that her phone was confiscated by the police and this is her last tweet from her phone.
Teesta Setalvad’s Mumbai Home Searched
It was reported that searches were in progress at Newsclick’s headquarters in Delhi. Simultaneously, in Mumbai, searches were being carried out on activist Teesta Setalvad, who serves as the director of the think tank Tricontinental: Institute for Social Research. The think tank has contributed articles to Newsclick.
Searches Underway at Over 30 Locations
Reportedly, searches and raids are currently being conducted at over 30 different locations, as per ANI.
Newsclick Accused of Receiving Chinese Funding
On August 5, The New York Times released a report alleging that Newsclick had received financial support from a network led by American millionaire Neville Roy Singham, with the purpose of disseminating “Chinese propaganda” globally.
News Portal Facing Foreign Direct Investment Case
In 2021, the Economic Offences Wing of the Delhi Police filed a case against Newsclick, contending that the news portal had received foreign direct investment from a U.S.-based company. The police asserted that the company managing the news website acquired foreign investment by “significantly inflating the value of its shares” to circumvent the purported cap of 26 percent for foreign direct investment in a digital news website, as reported by The Indian Express.
