New Delhi, October 3, : Voicing deep concern over the recent raids conducted by the Special Cell of the Delhi Police on the residences of journalists associated with the online portal NewsClick, the Editors Guild of India (EGI) issued a strong statement on Tuesday, characterizing the operation as “yet another attempt to muzzle the media.”
On Tuesday, the Delhi Police’s Special Cell carried out coordinated raids at more than 30 locations connected to the online news portal NewsClick and its journalists. These actions were taken in connection with a case registered on August 17, which invoked the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and other sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including 153A (promoting enmity between two groups) and 120B (criminal conspiracy).
In a statement, the Editors Guild expressed its deep concern about the raids at the residences of senior journalists early in the morning. The Guild reported that laptops, mobile phones, and other devices belonging to these journalists were seized, and senior journalists were taken into custody by the Delhi Police for questioning. The raids reportedly stemmed from an FIR filed under the draconian UAPA and laws related to criminal conspiracy and disruption of communal harmony against journalists, including those associated with the website Newsclick.in.
The EGI emphasized that while recognizing the importance of upholding the law, due process must be followed. It cautioned that the investigation of specific offenses should not create a general atmosphere of intimidation under the shadow of draconian laws or infringe upon the freedom of expression and the right to dissent.
In its statement, the EGI reminded the government of the pivotal role of an independent media in a functioning democracy and called upon authorities to ensure the respect, nurture, and protection of the fourth pillar of democracy.
Meanwhile, sources reported that the Editor-in-Chief of NewsClick, Prabir Purkayastha, and writers Paranjoy Guha Thakurta and Urmilesh were brought to the Special Cell offices in the national capital on Tuesday as part of the ongoing investigation.
It is worth noting that earlier on August 10, a report in The New York Times alleged that NewsClick was part of a global network receiving funding from American billionaire Neville Roy Singham. Singham, known as a benefactor of far-left causes, has been accused of lavishly funding an influence campaign that supports China and promotes its propaganda. Additionally, Singham is said to have close ties with the Chinese government’s media apparatus.
