The Delhi Police, on Tuesday initiated raids at 35 different locations, which included the residences of seven journalists and sites associated with the news portal NewsClick. The Delhi Police Special Cell has filed a new case against NewsClick under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). Additionally, the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Delhi Police and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) are investigating allegations of illegal funds from China being received by NewsClick, with missing documentation to support these claims.
Journalist Abhisar Sharma reported that the Delhi Police had visited his home and confiscated his laptop and phone during these raids. Special Cell teams from the Delhi Police also conducted searches at the homes of several other journalists linked to the organization, seizing their electronic devices.
The raids extended to locations connected to NewsClick, including those linked to its founders and editors. Similar operations took place in Mumbai, with Teesta Setalvad's house also being searched. Comedian Sanjay Rajaura was brought in for questioning at the Special Cell's office in Lodhi Colony, although no arrests have been made at this time, pending further investigation.
These raids are part of the ongoing ED investigation into NewsClick.
The Press Club of India expressed its concern regarding these actions and called for transparency from the government.
Previously, The New York Times published an investigation implicating NewsClick in receiving funds from a network associated with US millionaire Neville Roy Singham for propagating Chinese propaganda. These allegations were initially made by the ED in 2021 during a probe into foreign remittances. NewsClick founder Prabir Purkayastha responded to the report, emphasizing that these allegations were not new and would be addressed in court, as the matter was sub judice. Additionally, the Income Tax Department had also raided NewsClick in 2021.
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