Delhi Police arrests NewsClick founder, editor-in-chief Prabir Purkayastha under UAPA

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Delhi Police arrested two individuals, including Prabir Purkayastha, the founder and editor-in-chief of NewsClick, after conducting raids at their premises under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and other sections. A total of 37 male suspects were questioned at the premises, along with nine female suspects questioned at their respective residences, stated a report in ANI.

The arrests come in connection with a UAPA case registered with the Special Cell. Prabir Purkayastha and Amit Chakravarty are the two accused arrested thus far. The police have seized digital devices, documents, and other materials for examination.

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Prabir Purkayastha, along with writers Paranjoy Guha Thakurta and Urmilesh, was brought to the special cell offices in the national capital as part of the investigation. Delhi Police initiated the crackdown against NewsClick and its journalists earlier in the day in relation to an FIR registered under the UAPA, the report further stated.

The Delhi Police's Special Cell sealed NewsClick's office in the national capital during the course of the day. These actions followed raids at more than 30 locations as part of a case registered on August 17, invoking UAPA and other sections of the IPC, including 153A (promoting enmity between two groups) and 120 B (criminal conspiracy).

Union Minister Anurag Thakur commented on the situation, saying that if action has been taken, there must have been evidence or a complaint.

Expressing concerns over these events, the Editors Guild of India issued a statement, expressing deep concern about the raids at senior journalists' residences. Laptops, mobile phones, and other devices belonging to senior journalists were seized, and these journalists were taken into custody by Delhi Police for questioning. The raids were reportedly widespread and conducted in connection with an FIR filed under UAPA and other laws related to criminal conspiracy and disruption of communal harmony against journalists, including those associated with Newsclick.

Earlier in August, a report in The New York Times alleged that NewsClick was part of a global network receiving funding from American billionaire Neville Roy Singham, known for supporting far-left causes. This billionaire is central to a well-funded influence campaign defending China and promoting its propaganda. Singham is reported to have close ties with the Chinese government's media apparatus.