Shillong, October 3: The Delhi Police Special Cell conducted extensive raids at more than 30 locations in Delhi, Noida, and Ghaziabad, targeting journalists and NewsClick employees over alleged ties to China. These actions were taken under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
As per India Today, electronic evidence, including laptops and mobile phones, were seized, and data dumps from hard disks were collected during the operation.
The investigation was prompted by information shared by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), which uncovered fraudulent foreign funding amounting to Rs 38.05 crore within three years.
Notably, Rs 9.59 crore was received through foreign direct investment (FDI), and Rs 28.46 crore through the export of services. These funds were subsequently distributed to various controversial journalists, including Gautam Navlakha and associates of Teestha Setalvad.
The ED also provided details regarding the China connection to the Delhi Police. A government source emphasized that this investigation is about safeguarding India’s sovereignty rather than restricting freedom of speech. The New York Times had previously reported on NewsClick’s funding ties to a network associated with US millionaire Neville Roy Singham, with allegations of promoting Chinese propaganda.
Union Minister Anurag Thakur responded to the Delhi Police’s actions by asserting that probe agencies have the freedom to conduct their investigations.
