NewsClick Case: Allegations of Foreign Funding and Anti-India Propaganda Unfold

On 25th December, Amit Chakravarty, Head of Human Resources at NewsClick, filed a plea seeking to become an approver in the case against the online portal and its founder, Prabir Purkayastha. The case, under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), alleges that NewsClick received foreign funds from Chinese agents for anti-India propaganda. Here’s a breakdown of the unfolding developments.

Background:
The Delhi Police arrested Chakravarty and Purkayastha on 3rd October under the UAPA, accusing them of spreading anti-India narratives with foreign funding. The investigation gained momentum after the New York Times reported that NewsClick received ₹38 crore from a US-based millionaire linked to the Communist Party of China’s propaganda arm.

Recent Developments:

1. Approver Status Sought: Amit Chakravarty filed an application seeking to be an approver, citing material information he is willing to disclose to the Delhi Police. His plea was accepted, and his statements were recorded on Saturday.
2. 60-Day Judicial Custody Extension: The Patiala House Court granted a 60-day extension of judicial custody for both Chakravarty and Purkayastha, allowing the Delhi Police to complete their investigation.
3. Charges and Raids: The FIR, filed in August, accuses NewsClick of receiving foreign funds to disrupt India’s sovereignty. Raids were conducted on NewsClick’s office and the residences of 40 journalists connected to the portal. The Enforcement Directorate and CBI also conducted searches.
4. Foreign Funding Allegations: The FIR alleges that foreign entities, including those from China, infused large sums illegally to disrupt India’s sovereignty and cause disaffection. The funds were purportedly used to sabotage the electoral process during the 2019 Lok Sabha polls.

Conclusion:
The NewsClick case continues to unravel, with the HR head seeking approver status. The allegations of foreign funding and anti-India propaganda raise concerns about the media portal’s activities. The investigation, involving multiple agencies, underscores the gravity of the accusations and their potential implications on media and foreign funding regulations in India.