The CBI’s action against NewsClick is the latest development in a series of investigations involving multiple agencies, all examining the news portal for its purported connections to China and questionable financial support.
On Wednesday, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) conducted searches at the home and workplace of Prabir Purkayastha, the founder of NewsClick, following the registration of a case related to the alleged violation of the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA), according to sources.
The CBI’s recent move against NewsClick adds to the ongoing investigations by various agencies looking into the news portal’s purported connections with China and its questionable financial dealings.
Just last week, Delhi Police apprehended Prabir Purkayastha and NewsClick’s Human Resources head, Amit Chakravorty, charging them under the stringent Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA). Since 2021, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has been investigating the website and has already seized assets linked to Purkayastha.
According to the FIR filed by Delhi Police, it is alleged that Prabir Purkayastha conspired with a group called the Peoples Alliance for Democracy and Secularism to disrupt the 2019 general elections. Additionally, the FIR claims that Chinese firms like Xiaomi and Vivo established shell companies to inject foreign funds into this purported conspiracy.
Referring to undisclosed intelligence reports, the FIR asserts that both Indian and foreign entities illicitly funneled substantial amounts of funds. This alleged activity is believed to be part of a larger conspiracy with the intent to undermine India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, incite disaffection, and pose a threat to the nation’s unity and integrity.
Furthermore, it implicates activist Gautam Navlakha and American millionaire Neville Roy Singham, accusing them of disseminating Chinese propaganda. The FIR alleges a longstanding association between Navlakha and Purkayastha dating back to 1991.
The FIR references emails exchanged among Purkayastha, Neville, and “certain other Chinese employees,” suggesting their intention to portray Arunachal Pradesh and Kashmir as not integral parts of India.
NewsClick, in response, has denied these allegations, asserting that it has never published news or information at the behest of any Chinese entity or authority. The organization also refutes the claim of taking directives from Singham.
NewsClick released a statement affirming that all the funding it has received has followed proper banking channels and has been duly reported to the relevant authorities, as mandated by law. This assertion is supported by the Reserve Bank of India in proceedings before the Delhi High Court.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED), which is also reviewing the Delhi Police FIR, had previously conducted raids at Prabir Purkayastha’s premises in September 2021. The financial crimes probe agency has contended that it is investigating the alleged “fraudulent” infusion of foreign funds amounting to over ₹86 crore into the company operating the NewsClick portal.
According to NewsClick’s website, it is an independent media organization established in 2009, dedicated to reporting news from India and beyond, with a particular focus on progressive movements.
