The Delhi Police Special Cell has recently registered a new case against NewsClick under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. This development has raised concerns as it comes on the heels of previous investigations into the news outlet’s funding. In addition to the legal actions, the homes of several journalists were searched in the national capital, with at least two journalists being detained. 

Source: The News Minute

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The recent crackdown on NewsClick involved the detainment of a NewsClick reporter from his residence in south Delhi. A team of around seven police personnel, including two in plainclothes, arrived at his house early in the morning and questioned him for an hour. While they indicated his release later that day, it has left many questions unanswered. Additionally, senior journalist Urmilesh was also detained, though details remain scarce.

Source: News24

The Enforcement Directorate had previously attached the assets of NewsClick as part of an investigation into its funding sources. This action came following allegations by The New York Times that the news site was among Chinese propaganda outlets financed by American tech mogul Neville Roy Singham. Union ministers Anurag Thakur and Rajeev Chandrasekhar even held a press conference to assert connections between China, the Indian National Congress, and NewsClick. Notably, a UAPA case had been filed against the portal in August, shortly after the NYT report.

Among those whose homes were reportedly searched were prominent journalists like Paranjoy Guha Thakurta, Abhisar Sharma, Urmilesh, Aunindyo Chakraborty, and Bhasha Singh, along with satirist Sanjay Rajaura and activist Sohail Hashmi. Abhisar Sharma and Bhasha Singh confirmed the developments on social media.

Source: NewsBharati

NewsClick has vehemently denied all allegations against it, terming them “false and misleading,” and insisting they are “unfounded and without basis in fact or law.” Several press groups have also expressed their condemnation of the allegations. It’s worth noting that the media house had previously been the target of a raid by the Enforcement Directorate in 2021.

The unfolding drama surrounding NewsClick also ties into a broader investigation. In 2021, the Enforcement Directorate probed NewsClick’s financial activities. More recently, a New York Times investigation in August 2023 unveiled a network of activist organizations, non-profits, shell corporations, and their ties to China and Chinese propaganda. Neville Roy Singham was identified as a key figure in this network, known for financing Chinese propaganda worldwide. This investigation highlighted Singham’s success in spreading Chinese government talking points in various countries, including India.

The report underscored the global reach of this network, emphasizing its influence in nations like India, Brazil, South Africa, and the United States. Through this ecosystem of activists and non-governmental organizations, China has managed to covertly promote its interests and deflect criticism of its human rights violations. The network has played a significant role in shaping international discourses and influencing global issues, raising concerns about the extent of China’s reach and influence.

This is a developing story; we are on standby for further information.