Delhi Police question detained journalists
In the wake of the China funding case, Delhi Police's Special Cell has prepared a list of over 25 questions for detained journalists, as per insider sources.
No official confirmation yet
While raids were conducted at the residences of several journalists, there has been no official confirmation regarding their detention as of now.
Questions range from protests to foreign travel
The questions reportedly cover a wide range of topics, including their involvement in anti-CAA protests at Shaheen Bagh, the farmers' protest, the North East Delhi riots, and details about their foreign travels.
Raids in connection with NewsClick funding
The Special Cell conducted raids at more than 30 locations in connection with allegations that the media outlet NewsClick received funding from China. However, no arrests have been made at this stage.
Seizure of electronic evidence
During the raids, the Special Cell seized electronic evidence, including laptops, mobile phones, pen drives, and data dumps of hard disks from the NewsClick office and journalists associated with the organization.
Prominent journalists targeted
Prominent journalists, including Bhasha Singh, Abhisar Sharma, Sanjay Rajoura, Paranjoy Guha Thakurta, and Urmilesh, had their homes searched.
Allegations of funding from American millionaire
The New York Times had published an article linking NewsClick to funding from American millionaire Neville Roy Singham, who was allegedly closely associated with Chinese government media.
Union minister's accusation
Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Singh Thakur claimed that Congress, China, and NewsClick had an 'anti-India umbilical cord' and were pushing the agenda of the Communist Party of China through the website, based on the NYT report.
NewsClick denies allegations
NewsClick issued a statement denying the allegations as baseless and lacking factual or legal support.
Legal sections invoked
Reports suggest that the searches and detentions are linked to a case registered on August 17 under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and other sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including Section 153A (promoting enmity between groups) and Section 120B (criminal conspiracy).
Additionally, sections 16 (Terrorist Act), 17 (raising funds for terrorist acts), 18 (Conspiracy), and 22 C (Offences by Companies) of the UAPA have been invoked in the FIR.