Delhi Police Seals NewsClick Office Amid Allegations of Receiving Funds for Pro-China News
New Delhi: The Delhi office of NewsClick has been sealed by the police after allegations were made against the online news agency for receiving funds to publish pro-China news in India. The enforcement department has registered a case against NewsClick, stating that they received Rs 86 crore from American businessman Neville Roy.
On Tuesday, the special police of Delhi conducted raids at 30 locations connected to NewsClick, including the residences of six journalists working for the company. Laptops and mobile phones belonging to the journalists were seized. Following the raids, the Delhi Police sealed the NewsClick office in Delhi. Union Minister Anurag Thakur commented on the situation, stating that the investigation agencies are conducting their work based on evidence and complaints.
The background of the NewsClick issue dates back to September 2021 when the Enforcement Department raided the news agency based on complaints of operating illegally by accepting funds from foreign countries. NewsClick had filed a petition seeking protection from arrest in a Delhi court.
The Delhi High Court issued an interim order preventing the enforcement department from taking action against NewsClick and its editor Prabir Burkayashta. This order hindered the enforcement department’s ability to take significant action for the past two years. Last August, the New York Times reported that NewsClick was receiving funding from China, leading to an intensified investigation by the Enforcement Directorate.
The Enforcement Department filed a petition in the Delhi High Court requesting permission to take action against NewsClick. The news agency has issued a notice to the company’s founder and editor-in-chief, Prabir Burkayashta, seeking a response to the Enforcement Directorate’s petition. The Delhi Police is now investigating based on information from the enforcement department.
The raid on NewsClick and its journalists’ residences has faced resistance and condemnation from various quarters. The Press Club of India expressed concern over the raids and stated that they stand in solidarity with journalists. MP Manoj Jha from the Rashtriya Janata Dal criticized the Delhi Police, alleging that they are under the control of Union Home Minister Amit Shah. He claimed that the raids targeted those who refused to join the BJP. Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera also accused the raids of being a distraction tactic.
Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra expressed her dismay at the raids, emphasizing that “New India” is taking journalists very seriously. Sitaram Yechury, General Secretary of the Communist Party of India, revealed that the police had searched his house to investigate his friend’s son, who works at NewsClick. He questioned the motive behind the investigation and highlighted concerns about media censorship.
Mehbooba Mufti, President of the People’s Democratic Party, criticized the Indian government, accusing it of targeting independent newspapers and stifling press freedom. She denounced the raids and the seizure of journalists’ equipment, calling the government’s actions confusing and aimed at creating a false narrative.
The sealing of NewsClick’s office and the ongoing investigation have sparked a debate over press freedom and the government’s role in monitoring and controlling the media. The outcome of the case will have significant implications for the future of independent journalism in India.