The Patiala House Court in Delhi has extended the NewsClick case investigation by 10 days, addressing allegations of pro-China propaganda and illegal foreign funding, marking the third extension granted by Additional Sessions Judge Hardeep Kaur.
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NEW DELHI: Today(on 20th March), The Patiala House Court in Delhi has granted an additional 10 days to the Delhi Police for the ongoing investigation into the NewsClick case. This case involves allegations of pro-China propaganda and illegal foreign funding, putting the spotlight on Prabir Purkayastha, the founder and Editor-in-Chief, and Amit Chakravarty, the HR Head of the news portal.
The decision was made by Additional Sessions Judge Hardeep Kaur, who has not only extended the time for filing the charge sheet but also the judicial custody of the accused individuals. This extension marks the third time the investigation period has been prolonged.
Delhi Police, represented by Special Public Prosecutor Advocate Akhand Pratap Singh, has been diligent in their investigation, as noted in court proceedings.
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“We are in the process of appreciating evidence and summarising them,”
– stated the Delhi Police, emphasizing the extensive nature of the data involved, including nearly 400,000 emails and over 100 digital documents. The international dimension of the case is underscored by the fact that one of the accused resides outside India, adding layers to the investigative process.
In October of last year, Purkayastha and Chakravarty were apprehended under the strict clauses of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
Recently, the court granted Amit Chakravarty permission to become an approver, a legal designation for a defendant who consents to provide testimony against their co-accused.
“The approver, an accomplice who decides to testify against the co-accused in exchange for a pardon, is subject to examination and treatment under the CrPC,”
– highlights the legal framework surrounding this decision.
The investigation is the allegation that NewsClick, through its People’s Dispatch Portal, has been involved in disseminating false narratives and engaging in paid news, funded by illegal foreign contributions. The FIR lodged by the Delhi Police’s Special Cell paints a grim picture of a conspiracy aimed at undermining India’s sovereignty and integrity.
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The FIR also indicated that significant amounts of foreign funds, amounting to crores, have been illegally injected into India by both domestic and foreign entities hostile to the country. This purported infusion is part of an alleged conspiracy aimed at undermining India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, fostering discontent, and jeopardizing the nation’s unity, integrity, and security.