In Delhi, police have conducted searches at the residences of well-known journalists and authors as part of an inquiry into the financing of the news website NewsClick. The founder of NewsClick, Prabir Purkayastha, along with a colleague, has been arrested, and law enforcement officers have also confiscated laptops and mobile phones. The investigation revolves around allegations that NewsClick received illicit funding from China, a claim vehemently denied by the website. Critics argue that these actions represent a deliberate assault on press freedom.
NewsClick, established in 2009, is an independent news and current affairs website known for its critical stance towards the government. In 2021, it faced a raid by tax authorities over allegations of violating India’s foreign direct investment rules.
The coordinated raids at 30 locations conducted on Tuesday constitute some of the most extensive actions against India’s media in recent times. Police subsequently confirmed the arrests of Mr. Purkayastha and Amit Chakravarty, the website’s head of human resources. A police statement revealed that a total of 37 male suspects were questioned at various premises, while nine female suspects were questioned at their respective residences, with digital devices and documents seized for examination.
Opposition leaders have accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government of launching a “fresh attack on the media.” However, Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur argued that investigative agencies were merely carrying out their duties. Among those questioned were journalists Abhisar Sharma, Paranjoy Guha Thakurta, Aunindyo Chakravarty, Urmilesh, Bhasha Singh, satirist Sanjay Rajoura, and historian Sohail Hashmi. Some were taken to police stations, and searches were also conducted at NewsClick’s office in Delhi.
In Mumbai, the home of activist Teesta Setalvad, known for her advocacy for victims of the 2002 Gujarat riots and critical articles on the government published by NewsClick, was also searched.
A source close to Mr. Purkayastha revealed that more than 15 police officers arrived at the editor’s home at 06:30 local time (01:00 GMT). They did not produce any warrants or paperwork, questioned him extensively, and confiscated all electronic devices found at his home. Similar actions were taken against comedian Sanjay Rajoura, who was not named in the current investigation but was raided due to his past association with the website.
The raids are reportedly related to a case registered against NewsClick in August after a New York Times report alleged that the website had received funds from an American millionaire to spread “Chinese propaganda.” The case was registered under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), a stringent anti-terror law that makes obtaining bail nearly impossible. NewsClick has vehemently denied all charges. All individuals raided have been associated with NewsClick, either as employees or freelance contributors.
The police have not yet disclosed full details of their investigation, raising concerns and anger among many. Some have drawn parallels with police raids during the 1975 Emergency period under Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
Journalists and news organizations have criticized the raids, condemning them as part of the government’s pattern of arbitrary and intimidatory behavior. The Press Club of India expressed deep concern and urged the government to provide more information.
Since Prime Minister Narendra Modi assumed office in 2014, numerous media outlets have faced investigations for alleged financial misconduct, raising concerns about press freedom in India. Earlier this year, tax authorities searched BBC offices in India after the broadcaster aired a documentary critical of Modi’s role in the 2002 Gujarat riots. Dainik Bhaskar newspaper was accused of tax evasion in 2021 following its critical coverage of the government’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.
India’s press freedom ranking has deteriorated significantly, with Reporters Without Borders placing it at 161st place this year, citing a shift from “problematic” to “very bad,” and comparing it to countries like Tajikistan and Turkey. Many believe that NewsClick’s independence stems from its critical stance toward the ruling government, making it a target for these actions.
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