In a concerning move that has raised questions about press freedom in India, the Delhi police have conducted raids on the homes of several prominent journalists and authors. The raids, which took place on Tuesday in the capital city, were part of an investigation into the funding of news website NewsClick. Mobiles and laptops were seized from those raided, and allegations are being made that the website received illegal funds from China, a charge that NewsClick vehemently denies.
The targeted individuals include NewsClick editor Prabir Purkayastha, journalists Abhisar Sharma, Aunindyo Chakravarty, and Bhasha Singh, popular satirist Sanjay Rajaura, and historian Sohail Hashmi. Some of them have been taken to the police station for questioning, and their personal belongings, including phones and laptops, have been confiscated. The police have not yet commented on the raids, but Abhisar Sharma confirmed the development on social media, revealing that his phone and laptop had been taken away. Similarly, Bhasha Singh wrote that her phone had been seized. Simultaneously, searches were also being conducted at NewsClick’s office in Delhi.
The reason behind the raids stems from a case registered against NewsClick in August. The case was initiated following a report by The New York Times, which claimed that the news website had been receiving funds from an American millionaire to spread “Chinese propaganda.” Neville Roy Singham, the accused millionaire, allegedly worked closely with the “Chinese government media machine” and utilized various non-profit groups and shell companies to finance propaganda worldwide. As a result of these charges, the police invoked UAPA, an anti-terrorism law known for its severe restrictions on bail, against NewsClick and its journalists.
NewsClick has categorically denied all the allegations as false. The website maintains that it is committed to providing unbiased and reliable news to its readers. These raids and the subsequent investigation have heightened concerns about the state of press freedom in India, particularly since Prime Minister Narendra Modi came to power in 2014. Over the years, numerous media outlets have been targeted by the government for alleged financial impropriety, prompting fears about the independence of the press in the world’s largest democracy.
India’s declining press freedom has not gone unnoticed. Reporters Without Borders, an advocacy group for journalists, has ranked India 161st out of 180 countries in their press freedom index this year. The organization describes the situation in India as having deteriorated from “problematic” to “very bad,” placing it alongside countries like Tajikistan and Turkey, which have also come under scrutiny for their treatment of journalists.
The controversial raids on journalists’ homes and the subsequent investigation into NewsClick’s funding have raised concerns about the growing encroachment on press freedom in India. The actions of the police have been deemed by critics as an intentional attack on the independence of the press, stifling dissenting voices and undermining the principles of democracy. It remains to be seen how this investigation will unfold and whether it will further erode the already fragile state of press freedom in the country.
As citizens and the global community, it is crucial to pay attention to these events and voice support for the journalists and news organizations that are being targeted. Press freedom is a fundamental pillar of democracy, and its erosion can have far-reaching implications for society as a whole. Governments must be held accountable for their actions and ensure that the rights and freedoms of journalists are protected, allowing them to fulfill their crucial role in informing the public and promoting transparency and accountability.
Ultimately, the outcome of this investigation will have significant ramifications for the future of journalism in India. It is imperative that the government upholds the principles of press freedom and respects the essential role that journalists play in a democratic society.
