The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has initiated a rigorous inquiry into NewsClick, alleging grave violations of the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA). In a sweeping operation, CBI officials are currently conducting searches at two locations in the nation’s capital, comprising the office and the residence of NewsClick’s esteemed founder, Prabir Purkayastha.
This development comes on the heels of a recent judicial decision, whereby a Delhi court ordered the detention of both Prabir Purkayastha and NewsClick’s HR head, Amit Chakravarty, for a ten-day period. These arrests stem from allegations that the news portal engaged in activities receiving monetary support to propagate pro-China narratives.
The specifics of the case, as outlined in the FIR, are deeply troubling. It alleges substantial financial influx from China aimed at undermining India’s sovereignty and fomenting discontent within the nation. Furthermore, the FIR contends that Prabir Purkayastha conspired with a faction known as the People’s Alliance for Democracy and Secularism (PADS) with the intent of subverting the electoral process during the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.
In a sweeping operation on October 3, both Purakayastha and Chakravarty were apprehended, and the NewsClick office was effectively sealed. Notably, this investigative action was not confined solely to the capital; it extended to 88 locations in Delhi and seven additional sites across the country. During these raids, an impressive 300 electronic devices were confiscated from NewsClick’s premises and the residences of the journalists involved. Furthermore, the Special Cell in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) questioned a total of 46 individuals, including nine female journalists, in the aftermath of these far-reaching actions.
Notably, NewsClick has vehemently refuted the allegations of receiving Chinese funding. In a strongly-worded statement, the news portal asserts that these proceedings represent a blatant and unwarranted effort to stifle free and independent journalism in India. They have categorically denied any engagement in activities that promote violence, secession, or any illegal conduct. The veracity of these claims, according to NewsClick, is evident through a perusal of their freely accessible online content.
This unfolding saga marks a critical juncture in the complex and contentious relationship between the press and government regulation. As CBI delves deeper into these allegations, the eyes of the nation remain trained on this high-profile case, seeking clarity on the veracity of the claims and the implications for free and independent journalism in India.
