Unveiling the Investigation: Delhi Police Raids Newsclick and Journalists’ Residences
This article is about Delhi Police Raids: Urgent Alert Delhi Police Targets Newsclick Journalists in Shocking UAPA Raid! Early on Tuesday, the Delhi Police conducted a search at the offices of Newsclick and the homes of several journalists. This is connected to an investigation into the funding of Newsclick. The police sealed the news website’s office as part of this action.
Probing Allegations: Legal Intervention in Response to FIR
The investigation began on August 17, following a complaint filed under certain laws. The case includes allegations related to promoting enmity between different groups and criminal conspiracy.
Delhi Police Raids: Urgent Alert Delhi Police Targets Newsclick Journalists in Shocking UAPA Raid!
Among those reportedly searched were the website’s editor, Prabir Purkayastha, and journalists Abhisar Sharma, Aunindyo Chakravarty, Bhasha Singh, Urmilesh, Sumedha Pal, Aritry Das, and satirist Sanjay Rajaura. The police didn’t limit their action to editorial staff; it also involved other roles and contributors.
#WATCH | Delhi Police Special Cell officials seal the office of 'NewsClick' in Delhi
— ANI (@ANI) October 3, 2023
Delhi Police is conducting raids at different premises linked to NewsClick under UAPA and other sections today. pic.twitter.com/yc1faa5sQw
Confiscations and Confrontations: Journalists Share Their Ordeals
Abhisar Sharma mentioned on Twitter that the police took away his phone and laptop. Bhasha Singh shared that her phone was seized. Sanjay Rajaura’s friend, present during the police visit, described it as aggressive, stating they took away Sanjay’s phone, laptop, and some CDs without providing any legal documents.
Questioning Sessions: Journalists Taken to the Special Cell for Inquiry
Some journalists, including Urmilesh and Sharma, were taken to the Lodhi Road Special Cell police office for questioning. Urmilesh’s lawyer, Gaurav Yadav, said the police did not allow him to meet his client or provide case documents.
Delhi Police Raids: Urgent Alert Delhi Police Targets Newsclick Journalists in Shocking UAPA Raid!
The police also visited the home of Sitaram Yechury, the General Secretary of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), in connection with the investigation. Yechury mentioned that the police took his companion’s laptop and phone but expressed uncertainty about the purpose behind the police action. In Mumbai, a similar situation unfolded against activist Teesta Setalvad, who heads the think tank Tricontinental: Institute for Social Research.
Delhi Police conducts raids under UAPA, Congress calls it an expression of political philosophy
— ANI Digital (@ani_digital) October 3, 2023
Read @ANI Story | https://t.co/0mpUUBsXel#DelhiPolice #Congress #UAPA #raids pic.twitter.com/e3foXTj96N
Widespread Raids: More Than 30 Locations Under Scrutiny
In total, raids are happening at more than 30 locations, according to ANI.
Silence from Authorities: Delhi Police’s Special Cell Refrains from Comment
An official from the Delhi Police’s Special Cell declined to comment when approached by Scroll.
Official Stance: Minister Thakur Emphasizes Independence of Investigating Agencies
Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting Anurag Thakur emphasized at a press conference that investigating agencies operate independently and according to the law. He stated that if someone has done something wrong, probe agencies work on it.
Delhi Police Raids: Urgent Alert Delhi Police Targets Newsclick Journalists in Shocking UAPA Raid!
However, opposition parties and news associations see this as an attempt to stifle press freedom.
#UPDATE | Delhi Police is conducting raids at different premises linked to NewsClick under UAPA and other sections: Sources https://t.co/1TBPzmAOtJ
— ANI (@ANI) October 3, 2023
Tracing Back: The Genesis of the Case and Allegations Against Newsclick
The case started on August 5 when The New York Times reported that NewsClick received funds linked to an American millionaire to spread “Chinese propaganda” globally. Purkayastha denied these allegations.
Previous Legal Entanglements: Delhi Police’s Economic Offences Wing Case in 2021
In 2021, the Delhi Police’s Economic Offences Wing filed a case against Newsclick, alleging it received foreign direct investment from a U.S.-based company. The police claimed the company manipulated share values to exceed the 26% cap on FDI in a digital news website.
Enforcement Directorate’s Involvement: Raid on NewsClick in Money Laundering Case
The Enforcement Directorate later conducted a raid on NewsClick in connection with an alleged money laundering case, currently in court.
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