NewsClick Founder Prabir Purkayastha Remanded to 7-Day Police Custody

NewsClick Founder Prabir Purkayastha Remanded to 7-Day Police Custody. Image/NewsClick.in

VoM News Desk | October 4, 2023 | 12:45 PM IST | Breaking News, Crime, Social Media | Follow on Google News

NewsClick Founder Prabir Purkayastha Remanded to 7-Day Police Custody

NewsClick Founder Prabir Purkayastha Remanded to 7-Day Police Custody

NewsClick Officials Arrested Under Anti-Terror Law

Prabir Purkayastha, founder and Editor-in-Chief of NewsClick, and Amit Chakravarty, its Human Resources Head, were arrested under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and other sections. This move followed after the Delhi Police conducted extensive raids at over 30 locations in connection with the case, questioning 37 male and nine female suspects at their respective residences. Various digital devices and documents were seized for further examination.

Allegations of Foreign Funding for Pro-China Propaganda

These arrests and investigations come amid allegations of NewsClick receiving foreign funding for pro-China propaganda. Previously, the New York Times had alleged that NewsClick was part of a global network receiving funding from Neville Roy Singham, an American billionaire known for his support to far-left causes and for pushing Chinese propaganda. However, both Singham and NewsClick have vehemently denied these accusations. Purkayastha has stated that these allegations are not new and that the website would respond to them in court.

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Raids and Seizures Amid Global Scrutiny

The Delhi Police carried out raids at the homes of several journalists and writers linked to NewsClick. As part of the probe, laptops and mobile phones were seized. These raids were part of an investigation by the Enforcement Directorate, India’s financial crime control agency, into suspected money laundering by NewsClick. The news portal’s office was also sealed by the Delhi Police. In addition to Purkayastha and Chakravarty, many other suspects were questioned, including prominent journalists and historians.

Impact on Press Freedom and Criticisms

These events have raised concerns about the crackdown on press freedom in India. Many have criticised these actions as intimidation and an attack on freedom of speech. The Press Club of India has expressed deep concern over the raids. Additionally, a group of journalists has planned a protest march in New Delhi to voice their dissent. Despite the backlash and the ongoing investigations, NewsClick’s journalists vow to continue their work, stating that they will keep questioning those in power.

VoM News Desk

VoM News is an online web portal in jammu Kashmir offers regional, National & global news.