Delhi Police Conduct Searches at NewsClick Journalists' Residences and Linked Locations Amid Controversy Over Chinese Funding

In a significant development, the residences of several journalists affiliated with NewsClick underwent searches today as part of an ongoing investigation related to the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). Delhi Police initiated this case under the anti-terrorism law on August 17, following allegations made in a New York Times investigation. The investigation claimed that the news portal had received funding from a network associated with Chinese propaganda.

Conducted by officers from the Special Cell of Delhi Police, the searches occurred at approximately two dozen locations in Delhi-NCR. As of now, no arrests have been reported, but some journalists have been taken to police stations for questioning, according to sources.

Union Minister Anurag Thakur responded to media inquiries regarding the searches by stating, "I don't need to justify... If anyone has committed anything wrong, search agencies are free to carry out investigations against them under set guidelines..."

Expressing concern over the raids, the Press Club of India stated, "The Press Club Of India is deeply concerned about the multiple raids conducted on the houses of journalists and writers associated with Newsclick. We are monitoring the developments and will be releasing a detailed statement." The Press Club of India also expressed solidarity with the journalists and called on the government to provide more details, adding the hashtag #DefendMediaFreedom.

Previously, the Enforcement Directorate had initiated a case against the news portal and investigated its financial backing. The central agency had also seized certain assets linked to the news portal.

The current case reportedly revolves around alleged violations in foreign funding and its utilization. The new FIR is grounded in information shared by the Enforcement Directorate.

The Enforcement Directorate had previously alleged that NewsClick had received an amount close to ₹38 crore from entities connected to China. The utilization of this funding has come under scrutiny.

Individuals who received salaries or remunerations from NewsClick are currently under investigation. Laptops and phones belonging to journalists whose residences were searched have been confiscated for further examination.