Amidst Tensions Of Funding Of China, Journalists Raided And Anti-Terror Case Filed Against NewsClick

Today, seven NewsClick affiliated journalists had their houses searched in connection with a case brought under the strict Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). On August 17, days after a New York Times investigation claimed that the news portal had received funds from a network spreading Chinese propaganda, Delhi Police reportedly filed the case under the anti-terror law.

Search operations in Delhi NCR

Approximately twenty places in Delhi-NCR were searched today by personnel from the Special Cell of the Delhi Police. Although sources claim certain journalists have been taken to police stations for interrogation, no arrests have yet been made.

Responding to media queries over the searches, Union Minister Anurag Thakur said in Bhubaneswar, “I don’t need to justify… If anyone has committed anything wrong, search agencies are free to carry out investigations against them under set guidelines…”

Press Club of India expresses concerns

The Press Club of India has expressed concerns over the raids. “The Press Club Of India is deeply concerned about the multiple raids conducted on the houses of journalists and writers associated with Newsclick. We are monitoring the developments and will be releasing a detailed statement.”

The Enforcement Directorate had previously filed a complaint and looked into the finances of the news outlet. Additionally, several assets related to the news portal have been attached by the central agency.

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ED involved in case on NewsClick 

According to sources, the lawsuit involves suspected irregularities with foreign money and its application. The Enforcement Directorate’s information was used to create the new FIR.

The news outlet is being investigated for using funds that the ED previously claimed it obtained from sources connected to China totaling approximately 38 crore.

People who have received compensation from NewsClick are being scrutinized. For further investigation, the laptops and phones of journalists whose houses were raided today have been seized.